FFA Cup clash with A-League grand finalist Newcastle Jets could open doors for Gold Coast Knights

THEY are united by their desire to lead the Gold Coast Knights to FFA Cup glory, but the biggest game in the club’s history could take Grae Piddick’s talented squad on vastly different paths.

THEY are united by their desire to lead the Gold Coast Knights to FFA Cup glory, but the biggest game in the club’s history could take Round of 32 rookies Andy Barisic and Griffin Libhart on vastly different paths.

While a career highlighted by 17 A-League appearances with Gold Coast United is nearing an end for 32-year-old striker Barisic, US import Libhart is among a host of Knights players using their cup run as a springboard to higher honours.

A knee injury could yet rule Libhart, formerly with second-tier US outfit Harrisburg City Islanders, out of tonight’s clash with A-League grand finalists Newcastle, but the 24-year-old has impressed since joining the Knights mid-season.

WARRIORS WARNING — ‘WE ARE COMING FOR YOU’

Andrew Barisic and Griffin Libhart with coach Grae Piddick (centre) ahead of Tuesday night’s FFA Cup Round of 32 clash with the Newcastle Jets. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Only four players in the squad — Roman Hofmann, Daniel Dragicevic, Justyn McKay and Eoghan Murphy — have featured in a Round of 32 fixture previously, and Barisic believes the Knights’ time in the spotlight could open doors for his teammates.

“It’s a massive game for me (but) if I was 19, like some of the boys, it’s a different big game for them to expose themselves and give them an opportunity to come into the A-League. I think the whole aim of the FFA Cup is to give the smaller clubs an opportunity to showcase themselves and also the players,” Barisic, who has also played in Germany, Indonesia, East Java, India, China and Hong Kong, said.

BROADBEACH BUILDING FOR PREMIER LEAGUE REPEAT

“It’s not very often you get these opportunities but hopefully for us as a club, with the direction we’re going, it’s going to be quite repetitive for us. It won’t be the last time we’re there.

“For us, we’ve got to enjoy it and give it everything we can. (The Jets) have got more to lose than we do, we’ve just got to go out there and give it our all.

“We know that they’re going to dominate possession but we’re going out there with the mentality that we can definitely win the game.”

UNITED WOMEN FINALLY LEARNING HOW GOOD THEY CAN BE

Knights defender Eoghan Murphy is among a handful of players to have featured in a Round of 32 fixture. Picture: Jerad Williams

A natural midfielder, Libhart has added utility value to the Knights after arriving in Australia in April.

While his plans for 2019 and beyond are uncertain, the Pennsylvania product knows tonight’s encounter could be the making of the Knights.

“I definitely think this is a big opportunity for the club. I played at a good level in the US and … if the right opportunity presents itself I would love to play at a higher level,” Libhart said.

THE OVERSEAS STARS LIGHTING UP GOLD COAST FOOTBALL

“Our centre back, Oskar Dillon, he can play with anyone and he’s definitely one of the guys that has a bright future. I’m confident the guys can get the job done.”

Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.30pm at Cbus Stadium.

RUN TO THE ROUND OF 32

■ April 6 — 1-0 win over Surfers Paradise

■ April 14 — 1-0 win over Broadbeach United

■ April 24 — 3-2 win over Gold Coast United

■ May 5 — 2-1 win over SWQ Thunder

■ June 10 — 3-2 win over Sunshine Coast (extra time)