Murray United coach James Coutts has declared marquee signing Archie Thompson a certain starter for this weekend’s FFA Cup clash against Kingston City.
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The former Socceroo played a key role in the Border side’s first win of the NPL 2 season last weekend and will look to continue his good form at home on Saturday.
“He messaged this (Thursday) morning to confirm he will be playing,” Coutts said.
“He’s looking forward to it and I’m sure the supporters will come out to support him and get around the Cup.
“It's a tough draw against a massively in form team in the league above, so it's one we know we're up against it.”
Coutts added that he wants to see his side get into a winning habit.
“If we play how we did against Moreland, I fancy us to have a chance and we're going into the game with the exact same mindset that we have to compete,” he said.
“We spoke to the boys about how we're going to set up and play, but one little lapse in concentration and they'll hurt us.”
United has at least two forced changes ahead of Saturday, with Coutts to miss a week with a groin strain and goalkeeper Abdulkerim Koc also unavailable.
But in more positive news, injured recruits Chad Bugeja and Fernando Posada have resumed training with the group and shouldn’t be far from a return.
“Westy (Alex West) is back from suspension also and will come straight back into the line-up, but the other boys we have to be cautious with,” Coutts said.
“He (Koc) has been a great addition for us and it’s a shame because you feel like you’re getting momentum with the team on the park and you want that consistency, which we haven’t had week to week.”
Bugeja admitted it has been a frustrating start to his first year with United.
“It hasn’t gone to plan with the injuries and we just haven’t had our first 11 on the park yet,” Bugeja added.
“Once we do, I have no doubt we’ll more than challenge those teams higher on the ladder and start getting some good results.”
Kick-off is at 1pm on Saturday at La Trobe University.