ONE of Graham Arnold’s principles when assembling a squad for the Hyundai A-League is to recruit two players for every position.
Graham Arnold
ONE of Graham Arnold-s principles when assembling a squad for the Hyundai A-League is to recruit two players for every position.
While it is true that the former Qantas Socceroos boss hasn-t made too many alterations to his starting line-up this campaign, the wily mentor proved on Thursday night his squad is flush with depth.
Against Sydney, youngster Hayden Morton filled the right back role of the experienced Pedj Bojic with aplomb, and with a trio of suspensions for the game against Perth Glory at Bluetongue Stadium on Monday, Arnold will provide a number of other members of his squad with the chance to impress.
Daniel McBreen, Tomas Rogic, and John Hutchinson will all miss the clash with Glory due to suspension, while Dutch defender Patrick Zwaanswijk will again be absent due to a groin complaint.
And, while the absence of four key players is far from ideal, Arnold refuses to dwell on the situation.
“We-ll just get on with the game on Monday night,” Arnold said on Friday.
“Oli Bozanic is back fit and ready to go again, Adam Kwasnik is fit and ready to go, we-ve got another great young player in Anthony Caceres who will come into contention as well.”
“As you saw (against Sydney) we ended up with seven 20-year-olds on the field. We-ll give another couple of we kids a go (against Perth) and see how we go.”
“It-s a good opportunity to reassess.”
Arnold said he had been considering resting the 37-year-old stopper Zwaanswijk during the busy festive period anyway, considering the Club-s busy period in early-to-mid 2013 which includes Hyundai A-League action combined with the group stages of the AFC Champions League.
It is hoped Zwaanswijk will be ready for selection for Hyundai A-League round 15 away to Western Sydney Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium.
As well as Bozanic, Kwansik and Caceres, Adriano Pellegrino, Brad McDonald, Brent Griffiths and Mitchell Duke may also be given an extended chance to impress against the competition’s fifth-placed side.
Arnold will notify his players as to who will captain the side against Perth on Sunday.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Perth Glory – Hyundai A-League Round 14
Monday 31 December, 2012
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-Off: 6:00pm
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter. The official match hashtag is #CCMvPG
