Young striker Robbie Kruse, who celebrates his 19th birthday tomorrow, is a likely starter, as is speedy winger Michael Zullo, who has impressed in his cameo appearances from the bench.

Brisbane-born Kruse has only recently recovered from a severe facial injury, suffering a fractured eye-socket and cheekbone in pre-season.

The Australian Under 17 and Under 20 international who played his junior football with Pine Rivers and Albany Creek, said he hopes to grab his unexpected opportunity with both hands.

“I think I’m in the starting line-up so if we can win hopefully Frank won’t change the side and we can get a few results together which will help us get higher up the table," he said.

"It’s my birthday tomorrow as well and I’ve been waiting a long time for this debut, so hopefully I can make the most of it."

Kruse was signed on a short-term contract last season as injury cover under Miron Bleiberg’s reign, but only made the bench and is yet to see any A-League action.

Despite his inexperience, the youngster says he believes he can bring freshness to the forward line.

“I had this experience of sitting on the bench last year so I’m not as nervous, I’m just really looking forward to getting out there and playing," he said.

“I think I can add a bit of a flair; I like taking players on and I’ve got some speed so hopefully I’ll add a new dimension to the team."

Boss Frank Farina said the young forward had natural ability and pace to burn; attributes he feels will help to unlock the Wellington defence.

“Well he’s obviously very quick, is good on the ball and has a natural instinct in terms of going forward and taking people on. I think those are his strengths," said Farina.

"Robbie’s a good kid and doing well in training at the moment. He has a good work ethic and has come back from injury really well. He’ll get his opportunity tomorrow and it’s a good one for him. I hope he does well; in fact I’m sure he will.

He added: “Looking at Wellington, there was a certain way we wanted to go into the game and I think Robbie will do a good job for us in areas that we’re looking at exposing.”