De Silva missed last weekend's 3-1 loss to Adelaide United with a knee complaint but the playmaker says he has now recovered as Central Coast looks to bounce back at home.

"It's great to be back in the squad," he said.

"It always sucks when you miss a game. The knee is going good. I’ve had no problems with it in training, I’ve been slowly building up to full fitness. I’m feeling good and ready to go."

The Reds punished the Mariners with three goals after going a goal behind early last weekend.

De Silva said his side have been working hard this week on improving their defence.

"Adelaide had a good game," he admitted. "But maybe our goals came from our mistakes. We’re just looking to bounce back and show the character and resilience we have as a team.

"[We've worked on] being a bit more solid in defence, try not to cop goals like that. Try to tighten up a bit at the back."

Western United will be out to move back into the top two with a victory in Gosford.

"We’re not going to make it easy for them," De Silva warned.

"We’re going to play to the best of our ability and try our best to get the three points."

Sunday's match could see the Mariners debut of new signing Jair. De Silva is excited to have the striker available.

"Jair’s a good player, an experienced player," the 22-year-old said.

"He’s going to bring something to the team, hopefully goals and some Brazilian attacking flair. It’s great to have him in the squad."