Kosmina says Reds have firepower to beat Melbourne Heart - Herald Sun

A first-half brace from Adelaide United substitute Jeronimo is enough to hold-off a late Perth Glory fightback at Hindmarsh Stadium in Friday's A-League clash.

Adelaide United will be relying on Jeronimo Neumann (above) to score goals after the loss of strike partner Sergio van Dijk. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE United coach John Kosmina is confident his side has enough firepower to overcome Melbourne Heart tonight despite a lack of attacking options on the Reds' bench.

United has lost Sergio van Dijk as a replacement option for injured striker Bruce Djite after terminating the Dutchman's contract yesterday.

Van Dijk will head to Indonesia immediately to finalise a contract with PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat and with Djite sidelined by a groin injury, Jeronimo Neumann is the only striker available for selection this week.

But Kosmina believes the Argentinian will fire on his return to the starting lineup after scoring twice as a sub in the Reds' 3-2 win against Perth last weekend.

"We'll get by this week," Kosmina said. "Jeronimo will do a great job. It's not an issue."

Jake Barker-Daish, Zenon Caravella and Jon McKain - who have scored a combined four career A-League goals - are Kosmina's options off the bench.

But the Reds mentor said his side wouldn't rely on this trio to score goals.

"It depends on how you change things on the park and who you substitute," Kosmina said.

"It's not about the bench coming on to score goals. It's maybe about rejigging and the bench coming on to support someone else who might score goals."

Van Dijk's departure ends a long saga that Kosmina described as a "War and Peace transfer".

The Reds have no immediate plans to replace him.

"We'll have a look at that next week," Kosmina said. "At the moment, we probably wouldn't. I think we've got enough depth in the squad and I've got a few little ideas up my sleeve as well about how we can replace Sergio.

"Bruce is probably ready to go next week, if not the week after."

Injured winger Fabio Ferreira is expected to begin running next week, but along with Marcelo Carrusca, is unlikely to return until next month.

Melbourne Heart begins the round in seventh position, 14 points behind the second-placed Reds.

But the Heart's recent form at AAMI Park has been quite impressive, including good wins against Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth.