Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey has eyes on a top six finish. Picture: Stuart Quinn Source: The Courier-Mail
BRISBANE Roar is desperate to atone for arguably its worst performance of the season so far when it returns to Hunter Stadium on Friday night to take on Newcastle.
The 1-0 scoreline on January 12 suggested an honourable loss, but it was a black night for a bunch of uninterested and outclassed players.
Coach Mike Mulvey's training methods and tactics were questioned, while Nick Fitzgerald, who has since moved to Central Coast, did not play another top-flight game for the Roar after a senior squad member complained that he was still part of first-team plans, despite having pledged his future to the Mariners.
"That was a poor team performance," said Mulvey, reflecting on that embarrassing night.
The recently reappointed Roar coach vowed his side would produce a better display in a game crucial to both teams' chances of finishing in the top six.
With six rounds remaining, sixth-placed Newcastle are two points ahead of Brisbane.
"Obviously we're both in that dogfight for fifth and sixth positions. It's a massive game, this one," Mulvey said.
"We know we have a chance to go to Newcastle and put on a much better, more positive performance."
Fullback Ivan Franjic, who missed last Sunday's unconvincing 2-0 home win over last-placed Wellington because of concussion, is expected to return.
Brazilian speedster Henrique should also be available after finally overcoming a hip injury.
Enigmatic midfielder Mitch Nichols, a late withdrawal from the Roar squad last Sunday because of a tight hamstring, is another attacking weapon Mulvey should have at his disposal on Friday.
Having been told last month by Mulvey that he had no first-team future, teenage striker Anthony Proia has quit the Roar and will return home to Sydney today.
Signed by former Roar coach Ange Postecoglou in January last year on a two-and-a-half year deal, Proia did not play a minute of A-League for Brisbane.
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