Queensland Roar has been dealt a massive blow with experienced centre back Josh McCloughan ruled out of Sunday’s match against the Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium.
The big defender suffered a recurrence of the hip flexor injury that sidelined him during the Roar’s Pre-Season Cup campaign during training on Friday morning.
It is not all bad news for Queensland though, with the return of Luke DeVere from Australian under-20 duty, while Ben Griffin is also in the mix to earn a call-up.
Roar coach Frank Farina said he hadn’t made a final decision on a replacement for McCloughan.
“It’s always disappointing when you lose a player a couple of days out from the game but that’s why we’ve got a big squad,” he said.
“We’ve still got plenty of depth there with Benny Griffin, Luke DeVere and Andrew Packer’s back available now as well.”
Midfielder Matt McKay said the team can overcome the loss of McCloughan and get its first win of the season.
“The centre-halves keep changing, don’t they?” McKay said. “Whoever steps in whether it be (Griffin) or (DeVere) … they’ll prove a point and do well for us.”
“There are only 10 home games this season and the first two games you could say we’ve dropped points so it’s a must-win for us.”
“There’s an anger there and we want to prove not only to ourselves but to the Queensland public that we’re a good side and we can win games.”
Farina is looking forward to taking the game to the Mariners and is happy with where his side is placed after the opening two matches.
“We’ll be going with a very attacking side on the weekend – the bench as well,” Farina said. “I think you’ll see some of the young boys either starting or playing some part in the game.”
“Like everyone else we want to get a win on the board but we’re travelling all right. (After) two games, we’re only two points off top spot and you get three for a win.”
