Moore came through a full half of football against local side Brisbane City earlier in the week and Farina confirmed this morning that his star defender will take to the field this weekend after settling in well at the club.

“Yes Craig will start; he definitely won’t play the 90 minutes but he’ll start for sure,” Farina said.

“I’ve known Craig for a number of years now – six long years with the national team - so I know his character and what makes him tick.

“Craig settles in pretty much anywhere and a testament to that was Glasgow Rangers – they made him captain of one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I think that says loads for him as a person.

“He needs to play now and settle into the team structure but that’s going to take a bit of time.”

Farina made only a minor change to the squad for the trip south with Josh McCloughan making way for Moore. Andrew Packer is still ruled out and is unlikely to be fit before round two of the season proper and midfield dynamo Massimo Murdocca will not be risked as he recovers from a slight knee injury.

The Roar boss says the tinkering is part and parcel of pre-season and helps to prepare everyone for the season ahead.

“It’s the same as we’ve done with all of the games. This season will be a squad thing; it’s not about 11 or 13 individuals.

“We’ve got to make sure that everyone understands what’s required and I think we’re on the right track. I’m pretty happy with where the team is at the moment,” he said.

Both teams will be looking for a result this Sunday but history suggests that another stalemate could be on the cards.

In six Hyundai A-League matches between the two sides five have ended in draws.

Pre-Season Cup 3rd/4th Place Play-Off
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS FC v QUEENSLAND ROAR FC
Sunday 12 August , Kick-Off 4.00pm AEST
At Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford.

Queensland Roar FC Squad:
1. Liam REDDY (gk), 4. Craig MOORE, 6. Stuart McLAREN. 9. Simon LYNCH, 10. Ante MILICIC, 11. REINALDO, 14. Ben GRIFFIN, 15. Matt McKAY, 16. Hyuk-Su SEO, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Danny TIATTO, 19. Sasa OGNENOVSKI, 21. Chris GROSSMAN, 23. MARCINHO, 24. Griffin McMASTER (gk).

In: Craig Moore (new signing).
Out: Josh McCloughan (omitted).
Unavailable: Robbie Kruse (facial injury – 4 weeks), Andrew Packer (hamstring – 3 weeks), Matt Ham (shoulder injury – out for season).

Queensland Roar FC Media Contact - Neil Favager 0407 843 544

Central Coast Mariners Squad:
1.Matthew TROTT (gk), 5.Bradley PORTER, 6.Andre GUMPRECHT, 8.Dean HEFFERNAN, 9.Nik MRDJA, 10.Tom PONDELJAK, 11.Damien BROWN, 12.Greg OWENS, 13.Tony VIDMAR, 16.Nigel BOOGAARD, 17.Matthew OSMAN, 18.Alex WILKINSON, 19.Adam KWASNIK, 20.Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22.Sasho PETROVSKI, 23.Mile JEDINAK
*one to be omitted

In: Greg Owens.
Out: John Hutchinson (Ankle – 1 week)
Unavailable: John Hutchinson (Ankle – 1 week)