Roar clears Mori to take on Mariners
Coach Frank Farina has declared striker Damian Mori all systems go for Saturday's must-win mission against the Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium.
The veteran goal-scorer dispelled concerns a niggling knee injury could prevent him returning to play against the Mariners, who he dug out of a hole mid-season on a short-term contract by scoring six goals in eight games.
While Mori is Australian soccer's highest goal-scorer, he's been unable to open his account for the Roar in four games under Farina.
"Damian is fine, he'll play for sure," said Farina after Roar trained in the Brisbane heat on Friday afternoon.
"He's a model professional and he knew what he had to do through the week to get on the field.
"He pulled through training well today."
Farina is likely to make some tactical changes and bulk up his midfield to choke down the Mariners attack.
But those tactics though could change depending on the state of the Bluetongue pitch.
The Roar are hoping they don't encounter similar atrocious conditions to when they ventured south earlier this year and came away with yet another draw.
The Mariners' field was so waterlogged the ball hardly rolled and in most other circumstances the game would have been called off.
Farina has repeatedly described Saturday night's clash as "do or die" for the Roar, who mathematically could still make the finals if they lose.
But they would need a lot of results to fall their way.
The last five clashes between the Roar and the Mariners have produced draws and Farina will at least want another, if not a win, on Saturday night.
Central Coast has not lost at home in its last 12 games and hasn't conceded a goal in four consecutive games.
The Roar is clinging to sixth place.
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