John Aloisi forced into changes for Brisbane Roar’s ACL opener

John Aloisi will be forced to ring the changes for the Roar’s opening ACL game tonight.

Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi has to shuffle his squad for tonight’s Asian Champions League match tonight. Picture: Jack Tran

John Aloisi admits he will be forced to make changes to his Brisbane side for tonight’s opening Asian Champions League match against Muangthong United at Suncorp Stadium.

But the Roar coach is adamant he is treating the tournament with the same seriousness as the A-League.

The Queenslanders are backing up just four days after their 2-2 draw with Perth Glory, the most recent fixture in a tough schedule that has the Roar playing their sixth game in 22 days.

In that time they have had to travel to China, Melbourne and last Saturday to Perth. It’s a situation that has placed the club in a tough position as they struggle to stay competitive on all fronts.

“We want to be competitive in both competitions because they are both important to us, but we have to make changes to the side because of what we have had to go through in the past couple of weeks,” Aloisi said.

“As a team, as a coach, you just have to deal with it. Some things are unlucky, some things aren’t.

“You get injuries because of the unlucky things that happen in some games and you get them because of the scheduling.

“I am sure Football Federation Australia will look into the situation more and how they can help the clubs in these times.

“I am sure the players union will also look into it, because the welfare of the players is paramount.”

Still, Aloisi says the situation is what it is and that he will have to make the best of it.

“We can’t worry about it now because we have to worry about what we have available,” he said.

“I have complete confidence in my squad.

“We showed on the weekend (the 2-2 draw with Perth) that we have the players to cope.

“It is a great learning experience for some of the younger guys.

“The good thing is that they know their jobs, that they are good talented players and that no matter who I pick they will do a good job.”

The Roar have a number of injury issues with midfielder Thomas Kristensen, captain Matt McKay, striker Jamie McLaren and defender Luke Devere in serious doubt.

Kristensen was injured in the warm-up before the game against Perth and McKay went into that match with a virus, and then suffered a badly broken nose after just two minutes.

McLaren and Devere did not finish the match and defenders Corey Brown and Daniel Bowles are also sidelined, although Jack Hingert is expected to be available.

“We’ve got a few players that are touch and go and I won’t make a decision until tomorrow,” Aloisi said. “A few trained (yesterday) and a few didn’t.

“Jack Hingert will be back and will definitely play.

“Matt will see the doctor later today to see the extent of his broken nose. I can’t speak more highly of him and I am going to have to wrestle him from playing because he could do more damage to his nose.

“He’ll put his hand up to play but we will have to wait and see.”

Aloisi said he is wary of Muangthong as the Thai club have shown themselves capable of causing problems.

“They are very quick and very good in transition,” he added. “They have a couple of players who can really hurt you.

“Xisco in particular is a very good striker. I knew of him during my days in Spain. He is strong, very good at holding up the ball and knows where the goals are. We have to cut off the service to him.”