Kevin Muscat defends Melbourne Victory team changes in loss to Sydney FC

KEVIN Muscat has defended his decision to make three unforced changes to the Melbourne Victory starting line-up ahead of the team’s most recent loss to Sydney FC.

Thomas Deng was one of three unforced changes Victory made to its team. Picture: Getty Images

KEVIN Muscat has defended his decision to make three unforced changes to the Melbourne Victory starting line-up ahead of Friday night’s 3-1 loss to Sydney FC.

But the Victory boss will have to make at least one more to his side for Saturday’s trip to high-flying Newcastle, with defender Jason Geria suspended.

Victory dispatched Western Sydney 3-0 nine days ago in one of its most comprehensive displays of the season.

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Leroy George was forced out this weekend with a hamstring complaint that Muscat said shouldn’t rule him out of the Jets game.

But Terry Antonis, Stefan Nigro and goalkeeper Matt Acton all made way, with Thomas Deng (back from international duty), James Troisi (returning from suspension) and Lawrence Thomas (returning from injury) all welcomed back into the fray.

Jai Ingham played in place of George.

“When we assessed everything Tommy was away, so then he came back into the team (on the bench) last week,” Muscat said.

James Troisi returned from suspension in Victory’s loss to Sydney FC. Picture: AAP

“With Adrian (Mierzejewski) on that side, we thought Tommy was best suited on that left side (of defence) with the pace that he’s got.

“Lawrence come in after a couple of weeks for Matty and over a period of time he’s certainly earned that.

“Jai for Leroy, Leroy’s got a little bit soreness in his hamstring, in a couple of days time he possibly could have played but there was no need to risk him.

“And from the five we had to choose from in midfield we felt that that was the best three to start the game.”

Muscat reiterated that George should be able to play against second-placed Newcastle in what is another huge game for his side in the context of its season.

“I think he’ll be fine for next week,” he said.

“He’s trained well the last couple of days, but it was just a little bit too soon.”

After playing in the youth team last week, central defender James Donachie came off the bench midway through the second half against Sydney, his first minutes since tearing his quad off the bone in Round 2.

Muscat said “it was good to get him on” but stopped short of declaring him ready to start.

“We’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

“He’s been tracking well. Whether next week is too soon, time will tell, but he’s certainly been working hard and we’ll make that decision throughout the week.”