X-rays confirmed the break yesterday which has opened the door for 24-year-old former state league ‘keeper Griffin McMaster to make his Hyundai A-League debut this weekend against reigning Champions Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium.

Also out of the reckoning is suspended skipper Craig Moore and midfielder Danny Tiatto who will undergo further treatment on his hamstring problem to ensure his fitness for the visit of Sydney FC on January 13.

“It was a great win in Perth but it has cost us a few players,” said Roar Coach Frank Farina.

“Liam injured his thumb very early in the game and managed to complete the ninety minutes, but we won’t be taking any risks with him. It’s a blow but that’s life and that’s football. We have every confidence in Griffin McMaster and I’m sure he’ll come in and do a good job for us.

“Griffin [McMaster] will definitely start against Melbourne and it’s a good chance for him. He played in the Pre-Season Cup and did well for us; it’s a great opportunity for him.

“He may be a bit under-done in terms of match practice but unfortunately that’s the life of a goalkeeper. Mentally he’s very prepared for the game and is looking forward to it,” added Farina.

Roar reacted quickly to draft in additional goalkeeping cover and had 25-year-old Melbourne product Marko Sutalo flown up to Brisbane yesterday. The former Essendon custodian has been registered as injury cover and will take his place on the bench this Saturday as reserve goalkeeper.

“It’s difficult to get people at short notice and Marko will spend the next couple of weeks with us. He had his first session with us this morning as we had to get him up here quickly. We’ll be able to take a good look at him in the next few sessions,” Farina said.

26-year-old Reddy has few recollections of the incident that caused the injury and despite being desperate to be an ever-present for Roar this term he says the risk is of further damage is too great.

Reddy said: “There was a corner whipped in and a few of us went for the ball. I can’t really remember what happened but at first I thought I’d ripped the top of my nail off. It was sore but I just tried to not think too much about it and got it strapped up at half-time.

“I had x-rays when we got home and received the bad news, but I’m very hopeful of being back for the last fixture against Adelaide. If there was no risk of doing further damage I’d be happy to just strap it up and play, but the next two weeks is crucial and if I damaged it more it would be the end of my season.

“We’re in a good position now and it’s just not worth taking that chance. I’ve got every confidence in the team and every confidence in Griffin to come in and do well. He’s been working hard all year and has been with the club for a couple of years. He deserves his chance and I think he’ll take it with both hands.

“I’ve told him to keep it simple and he’ll have plenty of experience in front of him with the defenders we have.”

For Gold Coast-born McMaster the notion of making his league debut is an exciting one and he received the news last night straight from the horse’s mouth.

“Liam rang me last night and gave me the heads-up on the situation. We have a good working relationship and push each other during training so it was good that he was the one to call me first.

“This is my opportunity to show what I can do and I’m very confident that I can play well at this level of football. I’m very excited at the prospect of playing and can’t wait for the game,” said McMaster.

Also included in Frank Farina’s squad is flyer Michael Zullo who is progressing well after recovering from a torn thigh muscle but a place on the bench is the most likely spot for the youngster.