Adelaide United Duo Paul Reid And Mathew Leckie Return For Gold Coast United Clash

Adelaide United have a near full complement to select from heading into Friday night’s crucial A-League clash with the Gold Coast United.

Paul Reid and Mathew Leckie both rejoined the main group at the squad’s training session this morning, giving Reds Coach Aurelio Vidmar the chance to field a near full strength side at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Central midfielder Reid has only figured once in United’s past eight games due to calf and thigh problems, while youngster Leckie has recovered from a hamstring strain.

Throwing Reid straight back into the fray after having so little football in the past two months could be a risk for Vidmar, however there is reason to suggest Reid’s experience would be a plus for The Reds on Friday night.

Coincidentally, Reid has started in all three of United’s wins at home this season, while he has been missing from the line up on the three occasions that The Reds have been defeated at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Leckie has fully recovered from his hamstring injury, which kept the highly regarded talent out of the Young Socceroos’ Asian U-19 Championship qualifiers in Indonesia.

Goalkeeper Mark Birighitti will also return to be the reserve keeper to Eugene Galekovic, the 18 year old set to return from Indonesia on Thursday, following a successful qualification campaign with the Young Socceroos.

Only Michael Marrone (knee) and Joe Costa (long term injury list) are unavailable for selection in Friday night’s encounter.

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