Fury have been decimated by long-term injuries to senior figures during their inaugural A-League campaign, with  Scott Wilson, James Robinson and Shane Stefanutto all out for the season while others nurse chronic problems.

However Middleby believes that has opened the door to senior action for a number of youngsters who may otherwise have been kicking their heels - especially in the absence of a NYL side.

"I think the young boys have certainly benefited from those players being out," Middleby told au.fourfourtwo.com. "They will learn from it and you can see the difference (in training) that playing in the team has made.

"These young guys might have had to wait for their chance if everyone had been fit, but they've come in and done well.

"Chris Grossman, Osama Malik, Jack Hingert and Chris Tadrosse have all had opportunities and it's great for them to get that experience and good for the future."

Middleby now wants to see the club's youngsters given the same opportunity as their Australian A-League rivals.

"I think it's imperative that we have a National Youth League side as quickly as possible, to give the players that regular competition," he said. "Hopefully that will happen in the next year.

"Bringing through and developing your own young players is so important for a football club and I know this club sees the importance of that."

The immediate focus for Middleby and his teammates is the trip to Central Coast Mariners this weekend.

Lawrie McKinna's men are enduring a miserable run but Middleby points to the result of the last encounter between the two sides as a note of caution.

"They hit five past us last time and we got pummelled," he said. "We didn't take our chances and they did.

"The lads are buoyant after the win over Melbourne Victory but we respect the Mariners and they have players who can hurt you. They will be looking to bounce back.

"For us, it's not about revenge, it's more about restoring that pride."

The recent win over Melbourne has seen talk of a top six tilt and while Middleby is happy to look forward with optimism, he warns about anyone looking too far ahead.

He added: "We have a hard game (against the Mariners) and then you look to the next challenge against Wellington. You focus on what's in front of you."