Graham Arnold carefully managing Brosque’s game time for Sydney

There’s no room in the starting line-up for Sydney FC legend Alex Brosque as yet.

Alex Brosque of Sydney and Michael Reeve of Canberra during the FFA Cup semi-final. Picture: Getty Images

There’s no room in the starting line-up for Sydney FC legend Alex Brosque as yet, but coach Graham Arnold has thrown his backing ­behind the captain to force his way back in sooner rather than later.

Arnold said yesterday it would be difficult to include Brosque in the starting XI when the Sky Blues attempt to continue their unbeaten start to the season against an unbeaten Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium tomorrow.

It’s a case of not changing a winning formula that has left the 33-year-old striker to start from the bench in each of the opening three games.

Brosque hasn’t been fazed by the situation. He came on with 18 minutes left and scored in the 4-0 win over Western Sydney in round one and got another against ­Central Coast the following week after getting an extra seven minutes of playing time.

He didn’t score in the 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix last week but Brosque at least played 30 minutes, the longest he has been on the field this season in the A-League.

Now in his eighth season with the Sky Blues and with 147 games under his belt at the club, Brosque, who missed the final seven weeks last season after undergoing an operation on his hamstring, has shown he still has the legs and the fire in the belly.

While Brosque has been ­gradually getting more game time, ­Arnold said the club’s medical staff were taking it carefully with his ­fitness, given the seriousness of his injury last season.

“Brosquey got 90 minutes in Canberra the other week (FFA Cup semi-final) and, at the moment, we have plenty of choices (for selection),” Arnold said.

“What I am seeing is that when he comes on with the opposition struggling, they are having trouble containing him. The last 20 ­minutes of games, when our fitness kicks in and we bring on the impact players like Alex and Matty Simon, they are causing all sorts of problems.

“It is all about having a strong squad with plenty of depth — so far it is working well.”

Arnold was adamant when asked if the early season situation was an indication Brosque might be used more as an impact player.

“No, no. Brosquey is too good for that,” he said.

“We have been making sure we build his fitness and ensure there are no mishaps with his hamstring.

“He is in a good head space at the moment.

“He wanted to continue playing this season because he didn’t want to finish that way (injured) last season. I think he still has at least two years left.

“He is enjoying himself and enjoys his role off the bench. We have a very happy group.”

Arnold will make no changes to the side against a Jets team coming off a terrific result against Western Sydney last week when they came from two goals down to draw.

Defender Alex Wilkinson carried an ankle injury into the game against Phoenix and did not train on Wednesday but ran with the team yesterday.

“Full credit to Alex, he is a tough character and was determined to play last week. The extra day off this week will be a big help,” Arnold said.

As for the Jets, the Sky Blues boss has plenty of admiration.

“They have done great so far and credit to Jonesy (Jets coach Mark Jones),” he said. “They are showing a lot of character. He ­obviously came into the job late in pre-season, but he did the right thing sticking with the playing ­formation and the squad.”