Central Coast coach Phil Moss is battling to find someone to fill the crucial No.10 slot for Saturday's A-League clash against a Melbourne Victory side containing Tom Rogic, the man who used to perform that role for the Mariners.
The sublime playmaking skills of Socceroo Rogic could be a game breaker in Gosford, as fourth-placed Melbourne seek a win that would bridge the three-point gap to the third-placed Mariners.
Central Coast were on Friday still awaiting an international transfer clearance on newly acquired South Korean star Kim Seung-yong, a potential candidate for the key position.
Anthony Caceres, who has played there recently, will be withdrawn to a more defensive holding midfield role in place of the suspended Nick Montgomery.
"We've got to find a solution at No.10, we've been working on a few options this week," Moss said.
Victory coach Kevin Muscat wasn't interested in spruiking Rogic's first match back in Gosford since he left the Mariners to join Scottish giants Celtic, who have loaned him to the Victorian club.
"You'll have to ask him, it's not my concern, I'm not too bothered," Muscat said.
With Marcos Flores injured, Michael McGlinchey away on loan and last season's leading A-League goalscorer Daniel McBreen transferred, the Mariners have been short of goals and creativity.
They have scored fewer goals than any other team in the top six, netting just 18 in 17 games.
However, they have the second best defensive record while Victory have the second worst, conceding in each of their past eight games.
"There's certainly areas that we feel we can exploit," Moss said.
Victory skipper Mark Milligan could play some part in the game after after undergoing knee surgery just over three weeks ago.
"Whether this week is a week too soon for him, time will tell," Muscat said.
"He has been put through a gruelling session this morning so we'll see how he pulls up."
Victory defender Adrian Leijer returns to the squad after suspension.
While Kim may be unavailable on Saturday, clearance has been received for defender Eddy Bosnar, another one of Moss's five signings over a frantic week.
"It feels like an eight-day week, it's been that long," Moss said.
"But it's been fantastic, I'm really happy how we've come out the other end.
"The intensity and the quality of training has lifted a good four or five notches since some new faces have arrived."
