Brisbane veteran Danny Tiatto has declared himself a certain starter for this weekend’s Hyundai A-League match against Sydney after recovering from a groin injury.
The former Qantas Socceroo missed last weekend’s 4-2 loss to Perth, and his inclusion will be a welcome addition to the Roar side, which has a long list of players unavailable through injury and national selection.
Despite lacking in players, Frank Farina’s men have made an impressive start to the season to sit in fifth place and they are keen to prove their title credentials with a victory against the Sky Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
“I think all the boys, after the performance last week, are ready to stand up and be counted,” said Tiatto.
“Over the years we’ve had some pretty tight games against Sydney and I don’t think this will be any different.”
“(The Perth game) was a game we had to try a few things and it didn’t quite work out for us, we just have to scratch that now and look forward to this week.”
“Sydney are a decent side with a good bunch of players who play decent football.”
The 36-year-old has battled a chronic back problem throughout the current campaign and he said he’ll have to carefully manage his condition if he is to get the best out of what will most likely be his final season of professional football.
“Over the years I’ve pushed myself pretty hard at training and been right for the weekend,” he said.
“These days I have to manage things a bit better, I’m not 20 years old anymore, although I think I am sometimes.”
“I’m sorting myself out and I’ll be okay for the weekend.”
