Vanstrattan has not figured in any of United's first six matches due to an ankle injury, but Higgins' late withdrawal has prompted a bold move by head coach Miron Bleiberg to include the 27-year-old who has trained superbly this week.

The former Juventus custodian travelled with the squad along with Higgins and injury replacement 'keeper, Robbie Bajic, due to late doubts surrounding Higgins' fitness for the clash with Central Coast Mariners.

Bajic will still take his place on the bench as the injury replacement player for Higgins after United officials completed the appropriate paperwork this morning.

Bleiberg said: "We didn't intend for Jess to play on Saturday, but circumstances have dictated this situation and from what I have seen in training this week, and from what I have heard from our goalkeeper coach, he is ready.

"He might be a little short of match practice, but there is no doubting his quality and we are all confident that he will show that quality in his first Hyundai A-League match for the club."