Muscat throws support behind in-form Thompson

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat is set to reward Archie Thompson's good form by keeping him in the starting team for the Round 25 match against Newcastle Jets, with Kosta Barbarouses likely to miss out.

Archie Thompson will start against the Jets. (Getty) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

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With an arsenal of attacking stars at his disposal, Muscat welcomed the challenge of picking his best combination, stressing that competitiveness for positions in the team is testament to his players' desire to push themselves. 

"At this stage I reward people for coming in and doing well," Muscat said when asked about Thompson. "It's unfortunate because Kosta was arguably the form player of the competition when he gets injured.

"Instead of  it being a distraction, Archie's prepared and he's ready and he's worked hard for his opportunity and he gets his opportunity and he's taken it to this date.

"Kosta comes on with a clear intent the other day as well. You have to work hard to keep your spot because there are people there waiting to take it from you."

When asked if he would consider dropping Fahid ben Khalfallah for Barbarouses, Muscat said: "No probably not this week, he's been going well you'd be brave to go and tell him he needs a rest.

"All this is driven by the group. We're at the pointy end and everyone is sticking their hand up. But sticking your hand up is not enough. Performing well is what keeps you in the team." 

Muscat confirmed goalkeeper Nathan Coe could miss the match with a back issue that flared up on the team's trip to Wellington last week.