QUEENLAND ROAR Marque Signing to DEBUT

Queensland Roar Supporters will get their first competitive glimpse at the second of coach Frank Farina's trifecta of signings this weekend, but may have to wait until the opening round of the new season to see the third in action. Brazilian recruit Marcinho will make his senior debut in Sunday's Hyundai A-League Pre-Season Cup semi-final against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium after shaking off the effects of a groin injury. But marquee acquisition Craig Moore has not been named in the squad leaving for South Australia on Saturday and might even be forced to wait another three weeks to make his Hyundai A-League bow. The rules of the Pre-Season Cup competition mean that even if the Roar beats Adelaide this weekend in what is a dress rehearsal for the opening round of the regular season, they will be back on the road for their final match against either Perth or the Central Coast. And the indications are Queensland would be reluctant to fly Moore across the country to Western Australia for a one-off game against the Glory should results pan out that way. That delay could mean Moore, the former Socceroos and Glasgow Rangers captain, might not make his competitive debut until the August 25 clash against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium. Still at least Marcinho, the talented No.10 snapped up by Farina after a month-long trial, showed no lingering effects of being rested through the Roar's entire Pre-Season Cup campaign during a practice game at training on Friday morning. The dead-ball specialist last played in a trial game in Rockhampton in early July where he fired in a 20-yard free-kick during Queensland's comfortable 6-0 victory. But Farina holds Marcinho in such high esteem he last week dubbed him the one of the club's trifecta of key close season signings alongside ex-internationals Moore and Danny Tiatto. "He's got a good work ethic and technically he's very gifted," Farina said after Friday's training session. "We've got to wait and see against some quality opposition but I'm sure he'll go well." Tiatto looked in competitive mood during the Roar's final training session before flying to Adelaide while Moore, who has not yet trained fully with the squad, was put through a light running drill by strength and conditioning coach Craig Starcevich. While Tiatto and Moore have played at the highest level with the Socceroos, Marcinho arrived in Australia as a virtual unknown despite beginning his career with top Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo. The above article is taken from the 9 World of Sports FOOTBALL page on MSN
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