Plan to plug defensive holes

Ben Radstaak, who has missed training this week, clears the ball in a 2010 match.

CHRIS ISON CI

WEBBERS Retravision Cougars coach Brad Smith has to make some tough decisions even though the season is two weeks away from starting.

The Cougars travel to Gladstone today for the final trial match of their Hyundai QSL preparations with just three names to fill the four defensive spots.

Before any of the trial games were played, the side lost big Ben McMaster with a virus and three weeks later the youngster is still suffering, and Smith admits he does not know when he will return.

This week the other “twin tower”, Ben Radstaak, has been sick and missed training, leaving Smith with the prospect of another defensive position being taken by a midfield player.

Already the Cougars have Joe Burke on the left-hand side of the defence even though he played the first two seasons as an attacking midfielder.

“We’ve had a disrupted week,” Smith admitted.

Apart from missing Radstaak, there have been other players unavailable to train and then, to top off a miserable preparation for today’s match against Bundaberg Spirit, new striker Jamie Morris pulled up lame with an Achilles problem.

Morris is unlikely to play and his place will go to the unlucky Jesse Thompson, a player who deserves a starting spot for his enthusiasm and determination alone.

It is not the striker’s role that is of concern to Smith, but the back four slot he has to fill today and perhaps provide options for him later in the season should there be injuries or suspensions.

Smith hints there could be a surprise in the offing with newcomer Bryce Ruthven, Michael Cay or Eduardo given the opportunity to prove they are more than just a midfield player.

Little is known about the 2010 Bundaberg team, but the side’s record in two years of Hyundai QSL football has not been good.

Last season the Bundaberg Spirit failed to live up to its name and was soundly thrashed in most matches, including the team’s visit to Rockhampton.

Those results are despite Bundaberg producing its quota of good young players.

This afternoon’s match at the Wolves Oval has a 3pm kick-off.

THE COUGARS

Possible line-up: Tim English, Rob Lupton, Dai Thomas, (Ben Radstaak, Eduardo, Michael Cay Bryce Ruthven) Joe Burke, Justin McMullen, Anthony Hartnell, Matt Smillie, Fergus McIntosh, Tristan Fraser, Jesse Thompson: Res keeper Evan Wilkinson