Speculation had been rife over coach Terry Butcher's future but no doubts should remain over his tenure again after he guided a 10-man Sydney FC into the A-League finals in Brisbane.

Armed with only two fully fit substitutes and a man down from the 81st minute after Ufuk Talay was sensationally red carded, Sydney FC still clinched a top four finish by drawing 1-1 with Queensland Roar at a packed Suncorp Stadium.

Sydney FC leapfrogs the gutted Roar into the final four thanks to a superior goal difference - much to Butcher's relief.

The odds were stacked against Butcher before the high stakes clash - something the under siege Sydney FC mentor has been getting used to during a controversial A-League debut season.

Just when Butcher thought rumours about his future had been laid to rest, fresh speculation emerged this week that his job was under threat from none other than his rival coach, the Roar's Frank Farina.

Injuries and suspensions also threatened to tear his side apart but Butcher was not going to get any sympathy from a record 32,371-strong Suncorp Stadium crowd.

The Roar needed a victory to guarantee a maiden finals berth while Sydney FC simply required a draw - easier said than done in front of the second biggest A-League crowd this season baying for your blood.

A relieved Butcher watched former Roar striker Alex Brosque open the scoring in the 13th minute.

But seven minutes later veteran Damian Mori brought the Queensland faithful to its feet with a clever touch.

The match appeared to swing Queensland's way when the Roar threw everything at Sydney including a stunning flying volley by Mori in the 60th minute that was only matched by goalkeeper Clint Bolton's diving save.

The alarm bells were ringing for Butcher when Talay received yellow cards for bringing down Dario Vidosic and then purposely kicking the ball out of play following the initial penalty.

But Sydney FC passed the test of character with flying colours - and Butcher will be hoping the A-League club's board thinks the same way about him.

In the first half, Brosque showed no mercy to his ex-club, latching onto a David Zdrilic cross and breaking clear to score after Queensland defender Sasa Ognenovski slipped.

But the hushed crowd were soon on their feet when Ognenovski made amends and veteran striker Damian Mori levelled the scores in the 20th minute.

Brazilian striker Reinaldo headed a brilliant 60m Ognenovski pass to Mori and the 36-year-old marksman did the rest.

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