Maccarone chasing a visa before any goals

BRISBANE Roar marquee man Massimo Maccarone says he’s ready for at least 45 minutes of football against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night – now all he needs is his visa clearance.

The veteran Italian striker scored twice in his 20-minute Roar debut on Saturday as the three-time A-League champions fought back from 1-0 and later 2-1 down to beat Brisbane Premier League club Peninsula Power 4-2 at AJ Kelly Park.

Being a trial, Maccarone didn’t need visa approval.

But it’s a different story for Wednesday’s FFA Cup battle with the Victory at Perry Park.

Maccarone said he was hopeful he would today have his visa approved.

“It’s not here yet but I think it will arrive in time,” the former Middlesbrough and Empoli attacker said. “I want to play (against the Victory).”

The Roar will take a steady approach with Maccarone should he be cleared, and that’s fine with the 37-year-old.

“I need more time to get my fitness up because I started training less than two weeks ago and I need confidence,” he said. “But (on Saturday) it was a good 20 minutes. Next time I’ll play some more minutes. We’ll see day-by-day with my fitness.

“I think I can play for a half (on Wednesday night), but that’s up to the coach (John Aloisi).”

Aloisi is yet to decide on his starting team for Wednesday.

Former Victory star Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Greek international Avraam Papadopoulos did not play on Saturday, and are no guarantee to be involved against the Melbourne club.

A certain omission is goalkeeper Michael Theo, who has contracted the influenza A virus. Neither Theo nor fellow gloveman Jamie Young played on the weekend, but Young will start against the Victory.

The Roar are set to announce that triallist Peter Skapetis, who scored against Peninsula, will be offered an injury-replacement deal as cover for long-term casualty Daniel Bowles (knee).