The striker picked up two yellow cards in just 60 seconds as he was dismissed in the 89th minute of Avispa Fukuoka’s 2-1 away defeat at Yokohama.

It was a doubly depressing day for Australians at the club with Mark Rudan also earning an early shower for two yellow cards.

The Johnny Warren Medal-winner will be hoping for better fortunes against Ghana at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday.

He will be looking to impress Pim Verbeek this week, having previously missed on senior selection but his club coach is looking for the striker to adopt a smart approach.

Gary van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com: “Joel has had that nagging ankle injury while in Japan and it’s important that you listen to your body. It’s about making sure you get the balance right.”

While Griffiths and brother Adam look to press their claims for a spot in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, van Egmond’s focus is trying to fill the gaps in his roster for next season.

He is still waiting for an answer from former Melbourne Victory defender Ljubo Milicevic, having spoken to the defender and his representatives more than a week ago. The coach is still hoping for a ‘yes’ but isn’t putting all his eggs in the one basket.

The clear priority is another striker but they are incredibly hard to find at prices that don’t cost the earth.

Several triallists are due in Newcastle shortly to be put through their paces while a trial game has been arranged against bitter rivals the Central Coast Mariners next month.

That match takes place on Saturday June 21 at Frank Millington Field, Budgewoi (kick off 2.45pm).