MICHAEL Theoklitos will not have the chance to repeat his Pre-Season Cup final heroics with an ankle injury ruling him out of Sunday's clash with Wellington Phoenix.
To see Melbourne training in the gym...
Coach Ernie Merrick confirmed today that the custodian will be out of action for at least a week but there is better news for long-time absentee Grant Brebner.
Theoklitos saved the crucial spot-kick when Victory triumphed on penalties at Westpac Stadium a couple of weeks ago but this weekend's match will see Mitch Langerak between the sticks.
Merrick said: "He (Theoklitos) rolled his ankle in training so it's probably a one-week injury so he's going to miss out this week. Young Mitch Langerak will be in the first team spot.
"We've thrown him in the deep end several times, not only in the Pre-Season Cup, but one of the biggest games in the last year against Sydney. He was outstanding. That's why you have a back-up goalkeeper. We have no problems about putting him in.
"We've blooded him over the two seasons and he just seems to get better at training every week. He's got the height, he's confident in the air and he has nearly a season in the (Victorian) Premier League as well. He's ready to go."
The Victory coach said all efforts were being made to ensure that the club had a second keeper on the bench for the Phoenix match.
"We haven't decided finally. We have to make a few phone calls, we started those yesterday," said Merrick.
Nick Ward will also miss the Phoenix trip through injury but Merrick dropped a heavy hint that Scotsman Brebner would be back.
He said: "This time against New Zealand we'll have the benefits of the two Olyroo players Billy Celeski and Leigh Broxham, plus Kevin Muscat and Brebner."
Merrick is looking forward to Brebner's return, a player he values very highly.
"You'd have to say he's very close (to featuring against Phoenix). He's a high quality player. He's great at keeping possession, he's got great vision, great passing and he's training really well.
"We've just had a team meeting. It's a squad of 22 players and they're all very important to our success this year."
As for their hosts, Merrick said Phoenix were not a side that created numerous chances but worked hard to prevent their opponents creating any.
He said: "They're one of the most improved teams in the league."
To see Melbourne training in the gym...
Coach Ernie Merrick confirmed today that the custodian will be out of action for at least a week but there is better news for long-time absentee Grant Brebner.
Theoklitos saved the crucial spot-kick when Victory triumphed on penalties at Westpac Stadium a couple of weeks ago but this weekend's match will see Mitch Langerak between the sticks.
Merrick said: "He (Theoklitos) rolled his ankle in training so it's probably a one-week injury so he's going to miss out this week. Young Mitch Langerak will be in the first team spot.
"We've thrown him in the deep end several times, not only in the Pre-Season Cup, but one of the biggest games in the last year against Sydney. He was outstanding. That's why you have a back-up goalkeeper. We have no problems about putting him in.
"We've blooded him over the two seasons and he just seems to get better at training every week. He's got the height, he's confident in the air and he has nearly a season in the (Victorian) Premier League as well. He's ready to go."
The Victory coach said all efforts were being made to ensure that the club had a second keeper on the bench for the Phoenix match.
"We haven't decided finally. We have to make a few phone calls, we started those yesterday," said Merrick.
Nick Ward will also miss the Phoenix trip through injury but Merrick dropped a heavy hint that Scotsman Brebner would be back.
He said: "This time against New Zealand we'll have the benefits of the two Olyroo players Billy Celeski and Leigh Broxham, plus Kevin Muscat and Brebner."
Merrick is looking forward to Brebner's return, a player he values very highly.
"You'd have to say he's very close (to featuring against Phoenix). He's a high quality player. He's great at keeping possession, he's got great vision, great passing and he's training really well.
"We've just had a team meeting. It's a squad of 22 players and they're all very important to our success this year."
As for their hosts, Merrick said Phoenix were not a side that created numerous chances but worked hard to prevent their opponents creating any.
He said: "They're one of the most improved teams in the league."
To see Melbourne training in the gym...
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