Farina Expects Moore Highlights

Illawarra Mercury

Friday October 17, 2008

By JIM MORTON

BORN-AGAIN Socceroo Craig Moore will test his fitness limits tonight when Queensland Roar aim to reverse their terrible home record against a full-strength Adelaide United.

Roar coach Frank Farina had no hesitation in declaring Moore would start against the high-flying Reds at Suncorp Stadium, 48 hours after making an impressive international return in the 4-0 drubbing of Qatar.

Farina predicted Moore would stay in national colours through to the end of the 2010 World Cup campaign.

"Watching Craig play last night, I thought he was superb," the former Socceroos coach said.

"He didn't put a foot wrong. His passing game was brilliant, just as his general play in organising.

"Physically he's in great shape, he's loving his football. He's in a great space at the moment and there's absolutely no reason why he can't go all the way."

Despite getting only a few hours sleep before travelling to the Roar's early morning start at Richlands yesterday, Moore still backed up from his appearance in the World Cup qualifier.

He will be paired in central defence with Josh McCloughan, who returns from a hip injury in the place of Matt Mundy.

Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar revealed he would start with his strongest team in Brisbane.

Vidmar won't sacrifice the match or his team's third place A-League standing to focus on their return Asian Champions League semi-final leg with Bunyodkor in Tashkent on Wednesday.

"The Roar have had two very good results away from home in the last two rounds and probably should have got six points rather than four," said Vidmar.

"They were very unlucky against Sydney."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

Back to News Index | Back to Home

News Archive

2008

2007

2006