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Bleiberg not writing-off Fury

30th November, 2010
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Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg is refusing to write-off the dead-last North Queensland side, labelling the Wednesday night’s A-League clash as “important” as they look to reel in the A-League ladder leaders.

Which makes the unavailability of up to six first-choice players for the No.3 outfit’s mid-week clash at Skilled Park even harder for Bleiberg to swallow.

In a nightmare scenario for Bleiberg, United will be without striker Joel Porter (hamstring), defender Michael Thwaite and gloveman Glen Moss (both ankles) while Bas van den Brink was named despite being injured in their recent 2-1 defeat to Adelaide United.

Oh, and Dino Djulbic and James Brown are suspended.

As a result, United hope their `Department of Youth’ come of age against the desperate Fury.

Nineteen-year-old defender Zac Anderson, attacking weapon Ben Halloran (18), goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson (21) and utility player Josh Brillante (17) are all in the 15-man matchday squad.

All but Tyson are considered certain to see some action.

Bleiberg admitted the youngsters would be blooded in a crunch match after second-placed Adelaide United’s victory over the No.3 outfit last Friday opened up a seven-point gap between Gold Coast and the top two.

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“The only thing these youngsters lack is experience,” he said.

“In terms of their football ability, I have no hesitation whatsoever in using them, even in an important game.

“The Fury play well away from home and we have a fight on our hands, there’s no doubt about that.

“It’s a chance to get another three points towards our goal for the season, but we will have to work very, very hard to get them.”

The Fury have registered just one win in their last 13 games but have shown plenty of character with back-to-back draws.

They are still smarting from being held to 1-1 by a nine man Perth Glory last round at home.

“The Fury are a good team and they’re very passionate through their coach so we’re definitely looking forward to it and the challenge they’ll bring,” Bleiberg said.

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“They might be down the bottom of the table but they need a few wins to make the finals so they’re going to be desperate for the three points on Wednesday.”

United defender Steve Pantelidis was keeping his fingers crossed that van den Brink would pull up well against the Fury.

Van den Brink injured his ribs in a heavy fall against Adelaide United.

“Bas might be alright for Wednesday – he saw the doctor today,” Pantelidis said.

“It was a bad fall but he’s a tough guy, he hasn’t been injured too much during his two seasons here so I’m sure he’ll pull up alright.”

For the Fury, Jack Hingert, Eugene Sseppuya and Jason Spagnuolo have been recalled in place of Chris Payne, Brad McDonald and the injured Isaka Cernak.

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