25 Oct 2008

Roar ready for ex-Queensland backlash

4:28 pm on 25 October 2008

The Roar are braced for a backlash from three former Queenslanders when they attempt to halt the momentum of the Phoenix's A-League football season in Wellington on Sunday.

Queensland goalkeeper Liam Reddy says the ex-Queensland trio of Shane Smeltz, Jon McKain and Karl Dodd as dangermen for their round nine clash.

The adopted threesome have been influential in the Phoenix's rise this season, which includes two wins and a draw from their last three matches.

Dodd, who scored the match-winning goal against Central Coast in Gosford - his first in 37 A-League matches - is playing against his brother David, who's is in line to make his A-League debut for the Roar at 23.

The revival - lifting the hosts from last to joint sixth with the Roar, one point from the top four - is the best current run in the A-League.

The three Queenslanders turning out for Wellington played for the Brisbane Strikers in the old NSL but only Dodd went on to play with the Roar in their inaugural season.

The Roar are depleted by injury and have lost five players to the Young Socceroos, who are playing in the Middle East, and coach Frank Farina says the club's plight is the tightest it's ever been.