Winless Roar lose Ingham to NZ duty
Nov 6, 2017 - 6:54 AM Brisbane Roar's injury problems are set to be exacerbated by the loss of young defender Dane Ingham to New Zealand international duty.Ingham won't be available for Saturday night's A-League trip to face Melbourne Victory, with the 18-year-old called up for the All Whites' World Cup qualifying play-off against Peru.
It means left-back Connor O'Toole could be handed a daunting debut assignment as the Roar try to snap their winless streak in a city where they've traditionally struggled for results.
"It's good to lose another player," coach John Aloisi said, with a heavy hint of sarcasm.
"If we haven't got enough injuries, we've got players going away with the national team.
"It is what it is. You just have to deal with it."
Naturally a right winger, Ingham was deployed on the left side of defence in Sunday's scoreless draw against the Central Coast Mariners, filling in for Corey Brown (hamstring), who is still at least a month away from returning to full fitness.
But with the Lismore product unavailable, Aloisi has few other options in that position aside from O'Toole, a former Australian under-20s international.
Signed to a senior last year, O'Toole is yet to play a minute of A-League action but had a 35-minute spell off the bench in last year's AFC Champions League.
Asked if he would have no choice but to play him in Melbourne, Aloisi said: "I don't know, I need to think about it."
"I have to see who's looking fit and looking good in training."
Brisbane hasn't won a game in Melbourne for nearly four years and hasn't won at Etihad Stadium, the venue for Saturday night's fixture, since 2008, when they were still known as Queensland Roar.
Aloisi won't have any of his injured stars back on deck either, with goalkeeper Michael Theo (finger), Luke DeVere (knee), Daniel Bowles (knee) and Shannon Brady (foot) all facing extended periods on the sidelines.
Midfielder Thomas Kristensen is also at least one more week away from recovering from a hamstring nerve problem that he suffered during the pre-season.
Brisbane had originally hoped the experienced Dane would be ready to make his first appearance of the season in the 3-3 draw with Wellington two weeks ago but he remains on restricted duties at training.
Source: AAP
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