Returning Henrique can ignite Roar’s season: Aloisi

John Aloisi believes the return of club legend Henrique could be the spark Brisbane Roar need to make a charge for the Hyundai A-League Finals Series.

One of Roar fans’ all-time favourite players, Henrique re-signed with the club on Thursday for the remainder of the 2017/18 Season.

The ‘Slippery Fish’ won three championships with Roar in his first stint with the club, including scoring the winning goal in the 2014 grand final win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

While Henrique hasn’t played a competitive match since June, he’s likely to be on the bench for Saturday’s must-win match against Newcastle Jets at Suncorp Stadium.

“I haven’t seen Riki this motivated or sharp for a long time,” Aloisi told reporters on Friday

“We know what he can do when he’s on fire.

“In my first season here…every time we were bringing him on as a sub, he just gave the crowd a lift and automatically, that gives the players a lift.

“Actually, I could see the opposition defenders…I wouldn’t say (they were) scared but they knew what to expect from him.

“He loves the club, he loves being around this environment, he still believes we can make the finals and win. He was ticking all the right boxes for me.”

Aloisi expects Roar fans to give Henrique a huge reception if he’s introduced into the action against the Jets.

And while the 32-year-old is likely to lack some match fitness having been out of action for so long, Henrique says he’ll give his all to add to his 34 goals in Roar colours.

“If a chance comes, I will do my very best. Every time I cross the white line, I will give 100%, I can promise that,” Henrique said.

“For me, every training session and game is important. I have to show what I can give to this team whenever I get the chance.

“My heart was always here, I always watched the games. It means a lot to be back here with this team, at this club in this city.”

Roar is currently in seventh spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder, four points behind both the Wanderers and Melbourne Victory.