Agostino has missed most of the season so far through injury but could be given a chance from the bench with Olyroos call ups expected to fast track his return to the starting IX the following week.

Brazilian import Diego also returns to the starting lineup after missing the clash with Queensland through injury.

He is expected to fill the defensive role in midfield with Jonas Salley suspended after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season.

“We gain Diego so nothing really changes for us. He would have played last week had he not pulled up sore from injury,” said Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar.

“We get Agostino back into the squad which is really important so I think we’re looking at quite a few positive steps for us going into the next couple of weeks.”

Despite missing Dez Giraldi, Nathan Burns and Kristian Sarkies for three days this week due to an Olyroos camp, Vidmar has been very pleased with training and the way his squad has responded after defeat to Queensland.

“Training has been great this week, really good. I think they also sense that the performance wasn’t up to scratch last week so it’s a great opportunity to bounce back and I’m sure they will,’ said the United head coach.

There is still no sign of goalkeeper Robert Bajic with untested youngster Ben Moore providing back up for Eugene Galekovic on a one week contract.

However it is expected Bajic will return to the squad next week after spending the past seven days away from the club.

“I’ve spoken to Robbie a couple of times and Robbie has spoken to the leadership group on a couple of occasions. There’s no problem, they’re more than happy to bring him back into the squad,” said Vidmar.

“There is a couple of conditions for him coming back that won’t be discussed publicly. That’s amongst the playing group and the club and we move on. People make mistakes that’s a natural part of life.”

Vidmar also said he had expected Bajic to be angry at the decision to select Galekovic ahead of him last week and also suggested he could assess his own handling of the situation.

“I could probably have looked at the way I told him that he wasn’t in the team. That’s something I need to look at as well so we all learn and move forward,” he said.

“I think he feels better for the time he spent away from here this week and he’s assured me he comes straight back into work. That’s what he wants to do and we have to give him that opportunity.”