Gameiro fit for play
Roar eyeing A-League spot for Italian player
COREY Gameiro is on the verge of making his first A League appearance in almost two years.
Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi has revealed that attacking weapon Gameiro – who has had three knee reconstructions since 2014 – is “available” for selection for the first time this season.
Gameiro has not played in the A-League since November 27, 2015, when he was again injured in his then club Melbourne City’s 5-1 win over Perth Glory.
Thrown a lifeline by Aloisi in July this year, Gameiro was restricted to just 20 minutes of football in the preseason, coming off the bench in the Roar’s 2-0 trial win over Sydney FC on September 16.
But having felt sore in the aftermath of the match, 24year-old Gameiro has not played since.
“It showed that we still had to put some work into him,” Aloisi said.
“It’s always tempting to bring back players but he wasn’t quite ready. Now he’s available and is being considered for selection.”
It would be a surprise if Gameiro was not at least named today in an extended Brisbane squad for the Roar’s home clash against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
“But I don’t want to put too much pressure on Corey,” Aloisi said.
Roar marquee man Massimo Maccarone has been impressed by Gameiro’s performance in training.
“It’s a long time (since he’s) played. I hope he’s back (soon) because we need everybody.”
And that includes spectators, with Maccarone hoping for a good-sized crowd at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday as the last-placed Roar chase their first win of the season.
The veteran Italian marksman has been perplexed by the low attendances at A-League matches in his first season in the competition.