The return of strike weapon Jean Carlos Solorzano has boosted a Brisbane Roar outfit keen to rectify a worrying home record against A-League surprise packets Wellington on Friday night.
Solorzano was an unexpected participant at Roar training on Tuesday and wasted no time trying to impress coach Mike Mulvey.
The Costa Rican marksman is on trial and it remains to be seen whether Mulvey adds to his squad during the current transfer window.
However, it seems Solorzano – a key to Brisbane’s 2010-11 championship win – has already made a big impact on a Roar outfit keen to end a losing run at home on Friday night.
“It brings back good memories,” Roar defender Shane Stefanutto said of Solorzano, who scored 11 goals in the 2010-11 season.
“The fans would love it (his return).
“He’s an exciting player.
“He looked in pretty good shape. We’ll see how he goes in the next couple of days.”
Brisbane are five points clear on top of the A-League ladder and are the bookies’ favourite to claim a third championship.
However, the Roar still have something to prove at home after dropping back to back Suncorp Stadium matches.
Ending their homeground hoodoo will be easier said than done against a Wellington outfit that is arguably the A-League’s form side after picking up 13 points out of a maximum 15 in their past five matches.
Brisbane have earned just one point in their last two games.
But Stefanutto said: “I still believe it is a fortress for us.
“It’s not a problem. Unfortunately for two games we haven’t lived up to expectations.
“Our performances haven’t been good enough.”
Still, the veteran defender liked what he saw in their last two matches in which they were reduced to 10 men in both.
“I wouldn’t say it is nice playing with 10 but the way we played (with one player down) …we have come out of it with a bit of confidence,” he said.
Midfielders Thomas Broich (thigh) and Matt McKay (leg) are expected to play but star striker Besart Berisha will miss the match after being sent off last round against Perth.
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