Tobias Mikkelsen and Henrique are locked in a battle for a starting spot in Brisbane Roar’s best side

Super-sub Henrique has vowed to maintain the pressure on Danish winger Tobias Mikkelsen in their battle for a starting spot in Brisbane Roar’s best 11. But will John Aloisi make a change?

Perennial super-sub Henrique has vowed to maintain the pressure on Danish winger Tobias Mikkelsen in their battle for a starting spot in Brisbane Roar’s best 11.

While Eric Bautheac and Adam Taggart are seemingly entrenched in the Roar’s three-man forward line, Henrique and Mikkelsen are fighting for the other berth.

Off-season recruit Mikkelsen has so far had the edge, starting in three of the Roar’s four A-League matches this season.

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However, three-time championship winner Henrique started ahead of the Dane in the Roar’s 2-1 loss to Perth Glory on November 3, and has three times replaced Mikkelsen in the second half of matches.

How Henrique best serves the Roar, whether it be as a starter or as an impact player off the bench, has been a constant topic of debate since the Brazilian-Australian first arrived at the club in 2009.

Henrique has been a super-sub for the Roar. Picture: Getty Images

The 33-year-old attacking livewire has always maintained his desire to play from the opening whistle but will do what’s best for the Roar, who are chasing their first win of the season when they host Melbourne City at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

“Obviously I want to start every game, but I’m cool with the decision that the coach (John Aloisi) is making — I have no problem with that,” Henrique told The Courier-Mail.

“I work even harder when I’m on the bench to get into the starting 11 and help the team, and that’s the main thing.

“The team is always the most important thing to any player.”

Henrique has benefited from a proper pre-season preparation after returning to the Roar for his second stint with the club in February this year not at the peak of his fitness.

“To have a full pre-season under my belt, that was something that I wanted for a long period of time,” he said.

“It’s good and it makes a massive difference. I feel sharper, fitter and stronger to show my real football to everyone.”

Mikkelsen, 32, was a standout in the Roar’s season-opening 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners but has failed to match that form since.

Tobias Mikkelsen has been impressive for the Roar this season. Picture: Getty Images

His teammate and countryman Thomas Kristensen had no doubt Mikkelsen would be a key factor in the Roar’s title bid this season.

“It’s always tough coming from overseas — I know how hard it is to come here with your family,” Kristensen said.

“It’ll take some time. He was really good in the first game against the Mariners, so he just needs to build on that.”

Roar coach Aloisi on Thursday named an extended 18-man squad to face City, with the fit-again Stefan Mauk, former Victory defender Stefan Nigro, and midfielder Joe Caletti all included.