Roar boss a friend in need

Darren Davies hopes a reunion with a few old friends will also bring about a well-deserved result for Brisbane tonight.

Darren Davies hopes a reunion with a few old friends will also bring about a well-deserved result for Brisbane in what will be another stern test for the Roar’s interim coach.

Brisbane host Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium tonight, continuing Davies’ exposure to top sides since taking over from John Aloisi.

The Roar have won just once in 13 starts this season — a run that ultimately forced Aloisi to hand over the reins late last year.

Brisbane Roar coach Darren Davies speaks with Matt McKay at training.

A 4-2 loss against ladder-leaders Perth, having led 2-0, and frustrating 1-0 loss to fourth-placed Melbourne City in the past nine days left a bitter taste in the new coach’s mouth. But, throwing in a tight 2-1 loss to third-placed Sydney, it has also given the stand-in mentor enough cause for optimism against the second-placed Victory. “We’ve played the top four teams in five games and there’s been nothing in it,” he said.

“(The loss to City was) bitterly disappointing. I thought we deserved something out of the game.

“It’ll be a good test tomorrow night and we’ll be up for it.”

Daniel Bowles returns from suspension to join Joe Caletti and Aaron Reardon as chances to feature for the hosts, while Jack Hingert (ankle) has been left out of the squad.

Birkan Kirdar and Rahmat Akbari have been added to Kevin Muscat’s squad, with Keisuke Honda remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Davies worked under Victory coach Kevin Muscat for six years before joining the Roar in August last year. “I’m looking forward to seeing a few old friends,” he said.

AAP