With two players suspended in keeper Ante Covic and defender Matt Foschini as well as international duty taking away Harry Kewell and Carlos Hernandez, Victory’s depth and character will be tested on the Central Coast this weekend.

But with Archie Thompson in their line-up and in red hot form, the Mariners defensive line are on notice, said McKinna.

“Archie Thompson has haunted the Mariners over the years,” McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“He’s haunted me. I used to wake up in the middle of the night dreaming about the wee man.”

Over the years, Thompson’s pace and ability to play off the shoulder of defenders playing a high line, has meant the 33-year-old Socceroo has been a regular tormentor of the Yellow and Blue in Gosford.

“Archie just pops up and he’s quick and he’s playing with a smile on his face – he just makes me smile. He looks so happy on the field and his after match interviews," added McKinna, who coached the Mariners for their first five seasons in the A-League before Graham Arnold took over last season. 

“Last week [Victory] after they went down to nine men they didn’t lose their shape or their discipline and really dug in. It was some result.

“He’s scored two fabulous goals and Brisbane play a high line so if you can get someone to play that early ball, they can be beaten."

Mariners coach Arnold will be making Thompson his prime concern at training this week and could play a deeper defensive line as a way of nullifying his ability to get in behind defenders.

But McKinna was convinced that with two wins on the spin, the Mariners are soon to return to the form that got them to last season’s grand final.

“Wilko and Zwaanswijk were outstanding in the last two weeks and everything seems fine with Wilko’s arm now," said McKinna.

“They had a slow start but I still think they can get stronger.”

In other A-League news... Wellington Phoenix appear likely to return to Christchurch to play future A-League games with news of plans to convert Christchurch’s Rugby League Park to an international quality multi-sport venue.

With AMI Stadium badly damaged by earthquakes construction for the new Rugby League Park is expected to be completed in March 2012.

“We would welcome a return to playing in Christchurch at a venue with international standing, and the chance to show our support for the city,” said Wellington Phoenix CEO Nathan Greenham.

“We have a huge number of fans in the South Island and our past games in Christchurch have attracted great crowds. We look forward to this venue being developed."