Roar's 1-0 defeat by Adelaide United was viewed by just 5,801 fans on Saturday night in a ground that can hold more than 50,000.

The defender accepts that home defeats are hardly the best way to encourage people through the turnstiles but is left scratching his head at just how many fans are staying away.

"It's like a ghost town at the moment. We really appreciate the support and vocal backing from those who are there but it is a huge concern," McCloughan told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

"I accept part of it is that you need to give the fans a reason to come back but the ticket prices have been lowered and there is no real competition.

"I think it is an issue in the A-League elsewhere too, Melbourne aside maybe."

Despite the stayaway crowds, McCloughan is optimistic about Roar's prospects over the remainder of the campaign.

"I felt we totally dominated against Adelaide on Saturday and then got hit with the sucker punch at the end of the game. We were devastated as we felt we had played some good football," said McCloughan.

"It still stings and it doesn't sit well when I look at the table."

The defender is adamant that it is far too early to write off the team's campaign but he concedes that Wednesday night's clash with North Queensland Fury is a massive game.

"We need three points and we'll be giving everything to get them," he said. "North Queensland are a team that work extremely hard for everything and they have that big threat in Robbie Fowler."

Fowler's presence may help the attendance on Wednesday as the former Liverpool man has been an added attraction for fans in other Fury away games this year.

Liverpool shirts have been dotted around stadiums for Fury away days during the campaign so far and McCloughan will be delighted if Fowler fans turn out.

"He is a quality player and I think you only really see what a player is really like when you're there at the game," he said.

But the Roar defender hopes it will be a quiet night for the former Liverpool legend and wants the game to mark the start of Roar's recovery this season.

He added: "We played some good football against Adelaide, we're working harder in training than ever, we  have the talent in our squad - and we're still only three points outside the top six."