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Two changes to NZ Knights squad for first home game [Thu Sep 1st, 2005]
NZ Knights Manager John Adshead has made just the two changes for Friday night’s historic first home match against Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League.
Returning to the squad are strikers Simon Yeo and Noah Hickey, both on the comeback trail from injury. Yeo has been sidelined since the first Pre-Season Cup match with a groin injury while Hickey was a late withdrawal last week with a hamstring strain.
They take the places in the 15 of Jeremy Christie and Xiaobin Zhang. Zhang has a minor back strain while Christie is considered by Adshead to be unlucky not to keep his place in the squad.
Yeo has a prolific record with English League Two club Lincoln, scoring 23 goals for the club last season. His return to the squad has been much awaited, albeit Adshead is cautioning against expectation given Yeo has not been involved in much of the pre-season conditioning of the past 4 weeks.
All White Hickey brings pace to the team and the ability to play in a number of positions and is another to be welcomed back by Adshead.
The squad was named today after a session on the North Harbour Stadium pitch, in perfect condition following a great spell of weather in Auckland. Those superb conditions are expected to continue for what promises to be an historic occasion when the Knights run out in front of their home fans for the first time in the Hyundai A-League.
The squad of 15 players to play Sydney FC at North Harbour Stadium, 8pm KO on Friday is:
1
Danny MILOSEVIC Goalkeeper
2
Darren BAZELEY Defender
3
Ronnie BULL Defender
4
John TAMBOURAS Defender
5
Danny HAY Defender
6
Neil EMBLEN Utility
7
Steve FITZSIMMONS Midfield
8
Ben COLLETT Midfield
9
Simon YEO Striker
10
Sean DEVINE Striker
11
Zenon CARAVELLA Midfield
14
Joshua MAGUIRE Midfield
15
Joshua ROSE Midfield
16
Noah HICKEY Striker
20
Glen MOSS Goalkeeper
Also not considered was young fullback Cole Tinkler due to shin splints. In other news apprentice Kris Bright out for a number of weeks after tearing ankle ligaments. Naoki Imaya is still out of the squad (replaced short term by Christie) as he recovers from a broken leg.
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