Tiatto looking forward to Roar debut

Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina has named a 20-man squad for Sunday’s friendly match against South African side Supersport United.

Sasa Ognenovski has not recovered fully from recent ankle surgery and will not be risked, neither will groin victim Josh McCloughan, but striker Simon Lynch, who came through unscathed after 45 minutes against the Brisbane Strikers on Wednesday night, is expected to take part in the game.

So too is new Brazilian playmaker Marcinho and former Socceroo and Leicester City midfielder, Danny Tiatto, who will be making his much awaited debut in a Roar shirt.

Tiatto said: “It’s an important game not only for myself but for the whole team really and it’s going to be the first really competitive game against a pretty good side, so it’s going to be a tough game but it will gauge how far we’ve come in the last few months.

“At the moment I just want to go out there and get a bit of a run around so Frank will probably bring me on part way through the game. I’ve just been on the treadmill at the moment to keep myself ticking over, but I’ll be playing in the game and I’m looking forward to it,” he added.

The purpose of the game of course is to kick off the ‘Queensland Roars Against Racism’ campaign, a joint venture between Queensland Roar FC and Multicultural Affairs Queensland (MAQ). Roar boss Frank Farina said the he hopes the message hits home within the community.

“Racism is an issue throughout the world so this campaign is a great cause and a great initiative from the Queensland Government. We’re just happy to be a part of it and hopefully through the power of football we can drive the message to the wider community.

“It helps us with our football as well. This game will play an important role in our preparation for the new Hyundai A-League season and we want to put on a good show for the fans,” Farina said.

Included in the squad will be trialist Blake Charity and skilful youngster Victor Fenehia, as well as speedster Tahj Minniecon who has now returned the Roar squad following his stint at the AIS.

Queensland Roar FC Squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 2. Andrew PACKER, 3. Stuart McLAREN, 4. Victor FENEHIA, 5. REINALDO da costa 6. Marcus WEDAU, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Simon LYNCH, 10. Ante MILICIC, 12. MARCINHO, 13. Blake CHARITY, 14. Ben GRIFFIN, 15. Matt McKAY, 16. Hyuk-Su SEO, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Robbie KRUSE, 20. Griffin McMASTER, 21. Chris GROSSMAN, 22. Danny TIATTO, 23. Tahj MINNIECON.

Supersport United FC Squad: 1. Andre Arendse (gk), 2. Ricardo Katza, 3. James MATOLA, 4. Tsietsi Mahoa, 5. Dennis Masina, 6. Siboniso Gaxa, 7. Daine Klate, 8. Richard Rantjies, 9. Katlego Mphela, 11. Teko Modise, 12. George Mofokeng, 13. Shane Poggenpoel, 17. Tony Tsabedze, 21. Katlego Mashego, 22. James Chamanga, 25. Rudi Isaacs, 26. Thabo September, 31. Dennis Onyango (gk).

Referee: Peter Green (Brisbane)

Both teams will be permitted to use six substitutes during the game.

QUEENSLAND ROARS AGAINST RACISM

Queensland Roar FC vs Supersport United
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Sunday afternoon, July 1
kick off: 3:00pm (AEST)

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