The experienced defender will captain Roar against Gold Coast United on Sunday with Craig Moore absent on Socceroo duty.

Frank Farina's men will have their Young Socceroo players back in contention though and McCloughan feels that will be a big boost for the home side.

While describing it as an honour to lead his club into the derby, McCloughan said he was expecting every player in the squad to stand up and be counted.

"I think we have 15 players who are going to need to stand up on the weekend if we are to take anything out of the game," McCloughan said. "I'll be drilling into the boys we all have to stand up.

"You need a squad with depth to do well, and to be honest, we've probably been stretched for four or five weeks now.

"There's nothing to be put aside, we're putting out a side that is more than capable to do the job.

"I look around our team and think there is no doubt if we play well we can get the points."

Farina again has limited bodies available for selection for the game, but does welcome back the club's three Young Socceroos representatives in Luke DeVere, Mitch Nichols and Tommy Oar.

Midfielder Matt McKay is also in line for a return, following his lay-off with a medial ligament problem.

While McCloughan admitted he was relieved to have the youngsters back to bolster numbers, he also believes their enthusiasm at returning can inject an extra dimension to the team.

In particular, the stand-in captain was expecting DeVere to play an important role as he slots into the gap left by Moore at the back.

He added: "Luke's a good player, he was vice-captain for the under-20s and he's got good leadership skills. He's really hungry.

 "The under-20 guys that have come back are very hungry, they're unhappy with the way it worked out over there and they just want to get out there and play."