Stambolziev set for 'big blue' debut

Sydney FC recruit Robert Stambolziev will make his A-League debut on Saturday in the Round 17 'big blue' against Melbourne Victory.

Sydney FC recruit Robert Stambolziev poses in the club's colours at his unveiling. (Sydney FC) Source: Sydney FC

Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold confirmed on Thursday the 24 year-old midfielder would make his first appearance in the Allianz Stadium clash.

"He'll be involved this weekend, whether he starts or comes off the bench, I still have to decide," Arnold said.

Leaving Australia in his mid-teens, Stambolziev trained for more than two years at England's Bristol City academy before being signed in 2009 by Greek giant Panathinaikos.

Stambolziev, who represented Australia's under-20 side in 2008-2009, played for a host of clubs across Greece and Cyprus before being brought home by Sydney FC in January to cover the loss of Corey Gameiro to a season-ending injury.

"He's got pace his got a good left foot on him, he's good in a one-versus-one action and that's something that we needed," Arnold said.

"He's looked exciting at training. He's an Australian who went away when he was young and has played over in Greece and Cyprus and has handled everything since he's come back very well."

Arnold said he also expects Sebastian Ryall and Matthew Jurman to pair up in the centre of defence in place of suspended first-choice centre halves Jacques Faty and Nikola Petkovic.

Ryall has missed the last two games with a quad strain and has not played in more than a month, while Jurman is returning from illness.

Arnold had no doubt they'd be able to withstand the might of Victory's intimidating forward pack, boasting the likes of Bersart Berisha, Kosta Barbarouses and Fahid Ben Khalfallah.

"Jurman and Ryall will train today for the first time together," Arnold said. "But I expect both of them to pretty much start.

"You're not bringing in kids who are making debuts. They've both won two championships.

"They're two experienced players, the only question mark is their fitness.

"So we'll see how they go today."

Arnold said he was also impressed with young defender Aaron Calver, who partnered with Jurman in the centre of defence when Sydney was reduced to nine men in the last 20 minutes of its 3-1 Round 16 win over Perth Glory.

"He and Jurman both did an exceptional job in there so that gives me something to think about as well."