Asia » Australia

Adelaide United's Paul Reid And Mathew Leckie Could Face Newcastle Jets

The key duo are set for a possible return.

Dec 2, 2009 2:07:01 AM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Adelaide United

Players

Mathew Leckie

Adelaide United duo Paul Reid and Mathew Leckie are still a chance to line up against the Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.

Experienced central midfielder Reid and dashing attacking midfielder Mathew Leckie are both optimistic of being available for the Reds’ crucial home match, despite racing against the clock to prove their fitness.

Reid is recovering from a jarred ankle he suffered late in United Youth’s win over the AIS in Canberra in the National Youth League on Sunday, while Leckie is being prevented from going at full tilt due to knee soreness.

Having made just one appearance in the A-League in the past 10 games, Reid is desperate to return to the mix and hopes to return to full training tomorrow after doing light duties on the track this morning.

“At this stage, it was probably a little bit more negative at the beginning of the week but as the rehab has progressed, it is looking more favourable for them to be involved at the weekend,” Assistant Coach Phil Stubbins said.

“For Reid, the importance of tomorrow’s session is certainly something that we are looking at, that he can come through, and if he does come through he’ll go close to being available for Friday.”

While he did not undertake the warm up, Leckie did train with the main group at Hindmarsh Stadium this morning, and says he expects to be in a condition to be considered to play on Friday night.

“He [Leckie] trained with the group today and got through the session quite well, and we’ll give him every opportunity between now and game day to prove his fitness,” Stubbins said.

The Melbourne born teenager has been one of the finds of the season, particularly impressive against the Gold Coast United last time out at Hindmarsh.

Defender Michael Marrone has also resumed training with the main squad, Adelaide United’s forgotten man has recovered from knee and calf problems, which has seen him not play in the Hyundai A-League since Round 6.

Get all the Australian football coverage you need on the Goal.com Australia homepage!

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!