Luis Garcia will remain a bench weapon for the Central Coast Mariners for at least the next two weeks as coach Tony Walmsley plots a full A-League starting debut for the former Liverpool legend next month.
Walmsley confirmed Garcia will again be named a substitute in Saturday's clash against Wellington in Christchurch, and is hopeful the 37-year-old will have the same impact as he did last week.
Making his first appearance for the Mariners since signing a marquee deal that runs until the end of the season, Garcia came on in the second half to set up the equaliser in a 2-1 loss to Western Sydney, and his sheer presence has given the battling club a much-needed lift both on and off the park.
"There's moments of absolute sublime quality that he produces at every training session. In a game that's a goal for us," Walmsley said.
"He moves beautifully, his awareness and technique and vision are what makes him a point of difference for us.
"He'll come on against Wellington, hopefully we're a goal or more to the good when he does and he can help the boys push on and win the game with his experience."
Walmsley said Garcia will likely make his first start when the Mariners host Adelaide United on Valentine's Day.
Garcia admitted he is a long way from match fit, having last played professionally two years ago in India before coming to Gosford.
"I've been quite a while without training," Garcia said.
"I've felt very good during this week and hopefully I can get some more minutes at the weekend, but most important is that the team understands that the kids are doing well.
"The team looked very good last weekend. It's true that we didn't get any points, but if we work the same way we're going to get a lot of things out of the next games."
Walmsley said he will make several tweaks to his starting side for the Phoenix match, two of them forced, with skipper Nick Montgomery and defender Harry Ascroft both suspended.
Mickey Neill will move from left back into midfield, while Jake McGing is set to replace Ascroft in the heart of defence and Josh Bingham will start up front instead of Matthew Fletcher.
Walmsley said he hadn't decided if Josh Rose or recruit Brad McDonald will start at left-back in place of Neill.
Meanwhile, Garcia said he was looking forward to his first ever trip to New Zealand.
"Everybody was telling me, listen, you go to Australia, nice weather. But I haven't seen the sun too much," he said.
"Now we go to (New Zealand) and I'll pack my big coat. Let's see how it goes."
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