Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey says midfielder Matt McKay importance to the club is the only reason he's even considering recalling the Socceroo for Sunday's A-League clash with Newcastle.
After sitting out the league-leading Roar's past three matches due to an ankle injury, McKay is making a late bid to feature against the Jets.
The Roar have lost both matches against Newcastle this season in one of the rare downers to their campaign and McKay's influence would be a big plus as Brisbane aim to end that run to the Jets.
Mulvey said the 31-year-old remains a possibility to play but he's loathe to risk McKay suffering a setback if rushed back too early.
"He's lacking a gallop but he's a chance," Mulvey said.
"I'll probably err on the side of caution. He's definitely a chance of playing but I probably won't play him.
"Matty's important to us because he brings a bit of an aura to us as well so when there's a chance I'm never going to rule out a player like that.
"He'll definitely be right for next week."
With Liam Miller already sidelined due to suspension, McKay's return would bolster the Roar's midfield options but German playmaker Thomas Broich was confident replacements like Steve Lustica and Diogo Ferreira can do a job when required.
"They were definitely looking good at training," Broich said.
"We've had a bad run with a lot of injuries this season unfortunately but we've coped well, let's just hope that we can keep that going.
"It really helps that Stevie joined us and Diogo's getting better and better too ... I'm very optimistic and positive when it comes to these guys."
Broich, who will make 100th A-League appearance in Sunday's match, was dismissive of suggestions the Jets were a bogey-team for the Roar after their two losses to the Novocastrians already this campaign.
"It just happens we've lost twice, but I don't see why it's just them," he said.
"People have a tendency when people lose twice to make a pattern out of it. If we keep losing three more times against them, then you can ask me that question.
"At this point in time it's just another game of football."
