Roar set for closed trial game on Coast

BRISBANE Roar will step up their A-League preparations with a trial against Western Sydney Wanderers on August 18 at Robina.

The afternoon match – being played during the Wanderers’ Gold Coast camp – will be a behind-closed-doors affair at Cbus Super Stadium.

The Wanderers will return to Queensland the following month for another camp that includes a game against NPL club Brisbane City at Spencer Park on September 5, the same night Australia meets Thailand in a World Cup qualifier in Melbourne.

The remainder of the Roar’s pre-season campaign will be determined following their FFA Cup Round-of-32 clash against Melbourne Victory next Wednesday at Perry Park.

It’s set to be marquee man Massimo Maccarone’s competitive debut for the Roar – provided the Italian striker’s visa is approved in time.

Regardless of visa approval, Maccarone will be able to play in the Roar’s trial on Saturday against Brisbane Premier League club Peninsula Power at AJ Kelly Field.

Roar coach John Aloisi hopes to give Maccarone some game time but won’t rush his prized asset if he isn’t ready.

“He’s looking good in training but I don’t want to risk him by overloading him too early,” said Aloisi with an eye on his side’s Cup date with the Victory.

“I’ll use a lot of younger players against Peninsula.”

Injury-replacement signing Mitch Oxborrow will play against the Power, as will triallist Peter Skapetis.

Melbourne-born Skapetis is a 22-year-old attacker who has spent time in England with Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, Derby County and Dover Athletic.

Knee injuries have hurt his career but Aloisi is keen to give Skapetis an opportunity, believing his speed can create havoc.

Spanish forward Guillermo Torres, who was a second-half substitute in the Roar’s 2-0 Heritage Shield win over the Lions at Richlands last week, is no longer training with the club.