Dutch winger Rutger Worm has been named in the Melbourne Heart FC squad for tomorrow night’s match against Gold Coast United at Skilled Park.
Dutch winger Rutger Worm has been named in the Melbourne Heart FC squad for tomorrow night-s match against Gold Coast United at Skilled Park.
The former NEC Nijmegen star has been on the outer for much of this campaign through injury, but after proving his fitness while in action for John Aloisi-s National Youth League side, Worm has been recalled by Head Coach John van ‘t Schip.
With attacking players Mate Dugandzic and Jason Hoffman away on international duty, and Brazilian Alex Terra out with a hamstring strain, Worm may be in line for a starting berth, providing added width to the Heart line-up.
Defensive rising star Curtis Good is another who makes his return this week, after captaining the Young Socceroos through their AFC U/19 Championship qualifying campaign.
Good has been among Heart-s leading performers this season, quickly cementing his place in the starting line up while emphasising his status as a likely future Socceroo.
Along with Brendan Hamill, the duo represents a likely central defensive pairing for the Green and Gold in the years to come.
But in the meantime, former Socceroo Simon Colosimo is set to battle with Adrian Madaschi for a slot in the centre of defence, having served a one match ban after earning a red card against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium a fortnight ago.
Although the absence of the Olyroos trio and Terra has handed van ‘t Schip a selection headache, the clear depth present in the Heart squad will enable the Dutchman to cover their absence as the side seeks to extend its unbeaten streak to five matches.
And with a win poised to catapult Heart into third on the table, the match looms as a pivotal turning point in the campaign, marking the beginning of a torturous run away from home which will finally see the Red and White return to AAMI Park on December 23.
Squad
1.Clint Bolton, 2.Michael Marrone, 3.Brendan Hamill, 4.Simon Colosimo, 5.Fred (c), 6.Matt Thompson, 7.Rutger Worm, 8.Kristian Sarkies, 9.Maycon, 10.Wayne Srhoj, 13.Jonatan Germano, 15.David Williams, 18.Curtis Good, 19.Eli Babalj, 25.Adrian Madaschi, 30.Sebastian Mattei *one to be omitted*
In: Rutger Worm (promoted), Kristian Sarkies (promoted), David Williams (promoted), Curtis Good (returns from international duty)
Out: Aziz Behich (international duty), Jason Hoffman (international duty), Mate Dugandzic (international duty), Alex Terra (injury)
Unavailable:
Alex Terra – Hamstring (2-3 weeks)
Nick Kalmar – Back (4 weeks)
Kamal Ibrahim – Ankle (3 weeks)
Kliment Taseski – Foot Fracture (long term)
