A chronic ankle injury cut short the veteran's 2007/08 season, with his last professional match being Queensland's 1-1 draw with the Wellington Phoenix on December 14 last year.

McLaren became captain/coach of the Brisbane Strikers side in the Queensland State League and it was thought his playing days in the A-League were long over.

But an undermanned Glory outfit needing cover after an unfortunate run with injures has shown faith in the 33-year-old.

The reaction in the Roar camp to the news was positive, with coach Frank Farina wishing him former charger the best.

"I'm happy for Stuey, he's probably going to be a little bit underdone in terms of the pace of it, but I'm happy for him, he's got a four week deal," Farina said.

"I hope he does well, just not on Sunday."

"It's good to see him back, you never like to hear of injuries that could potentially end a player’s playing days."

Farina was aware of the advantage that McLaren's inside knowledge of the Roar's setup could give Perth, but accepted it as part of the game.

"That's the nature of the beast when you are playing against a former-player, but Stuey's a good lad."

Roar captain Craig Moore suggested that the number of Glory players sitting on the sidelines meant that McLaren would be a sure starter, if available.

"I think he'll need to play, unfortunately Perth do have a lot of suspension and injuries and all that sort of stuff." Moore said.

"I'm pretty sure that Stuart will come into the starting eleven straight away."

Moore thought McLaren would be in reasonable shape despite his extended layoff from the game, but did add that his lack of match-fitness could well be an advantage for the Roar on Sunday.

"You can't beat playing week in, week out and that's something that he hasn't had, and if he is a starter, hopefully it's something we can capitalise on."

McLaren and talented local left back Jeff Bright have both been brought into their squad as short-term injury replacements. Both are available for selection in the club’s round four match on Sunday.

McLaren arrived in Perth on Wednesday for an initial four week stint as cover for the injured Josip Magdic, while Bright has been signed from local club Mandurah City to allow Hayden Foxe additional time to recover from a foot injury.

Both players have performed well at training and are in contention to make their Perth Glory debuts against Queensland at Members Equity Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

“We have a few options at the moment but I’m looking at both Stuart and Jeff playing some part in the game,” said Perth Glory Coach Dave Mitchell.

“They’ve fitted in with the boys and the way we want to play. I’m confident that if either was given their opportunity this weekend that they’d do the job for us,” Mitchell said.