Melbourne Victory star Archie Thompson admits he is still feeling pain from his foot injury, but remains bullish he will be in perfect health for next week’s A-League grand final.

Thompson backed up his remarkable match-winning cameo in the A-League major semi-final against Sydney FC on Sunday with another 30 minutes in Melbourne’s Asian Champions League loss to Seongnam Ilhwa in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

The two substitutes’ appearances were Thompson’s first matches in more than four weeks after breaking his foot.

He admitted to feeling pain and stiffness – much of it because of the quick back-up in games with little recent football under his belt.

But he remains confident he can play some role in the Victory’s grand final on March 20 against either Sydney FC or Wellington Phoenix, though it will be left to coach Ernie Merrick and medical staff to decide whether he starts the match or is used as an impact player.

“I pulled up a little bit stiff from the game on Sunday, and to come straight from the game on Sunday and back it up two days later was difficult,” Thompson said in Melbourne.

“It was quite painful out there but that’s expected when you haven’t done much for the last two weeks.

“Now it’s about managing the foot. It’s up to Ernie but I really want to run out there in a grand final day, and if I’m feeling fit, I’m sure I will be.”

The Victory’s heavy recent load of matches now gives way to an 11-day break ahead of the grand final at Etihad Stadium.

Most pleasing for Merrick is that there were no new injuries to emerge from the 2-0 loss to their Korean rivals.

Only attacker Tom Pondeljak remains in doubt for the grand final.

He is expected to find out this week the result of scans on a hamstring injury which kept him out of Tuesday night’s match.

Victory defender Adrian Leijer said his side’s win over Sydney FC to avoid a preliminary final match this weekend could prove a huge boost for the club after their tough schedule of matches.

“No injuries out of the game is a real bonus, and having that weekend off this weekend is massive – you can’t underestimate that,” Leijer said.

“Now we just have to make sure we do everything we can to make sure we’re ready for the grand final.”

© AAP 2012

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.