Soccer: Burton still possible starter for Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The continuing uncertainty over Mark Burton's availability has again forced the Football Kingz to delay naming a starting line-up for their match tonight.

The Kingz play Adelaide City Force in round five of the Australian National Soccer League.

Co-coach Shane Rufer would have preferred to name the Xl for the game at training yesterday, but he concedes there is a chance the All Whites' midfielder Burton could be cleared from his German club in time for the 7.30 pm kickoff at Ericsson Stadium.

"Wynton has been in touch with Germany and we will just have to wait and see," Shane Rufer said.

"This is an important game for us.

"It also gives us the chance to avenge the three losses, including both at home, we suffered against Adelaide last season.

"They will be confident, especially as they have had their first win of the season."

Adelaide are 14th on the table, six places behinds the Kingz.

With Burton's clearance, which has to come through Soccer Australia, still up in the air, the Rufers have named 16 players.

The lineup includes defender Michael Cartwright, who is returning after a bout of glandular fever.

In an almost certain change from the team who lost 2-4 to Northern Spirit a week ago, Chris Marsh should play in goal, with Julio Cuello going to the substitutes' bench.

While giving little else away, it seems the call for Ivan Vicelich to switch to the defence, despite his outstanding form in midfield, will be heeded.

In another likely change, Che Bunce could replace Chris Jackson in the defence.

Andy Bluhm, who is still awaiting the birth of his first child, has been left on the sideline, as has Levent Osman, who played half a game last week.

Victory would push the Kingz back to the top of the 16-team NSL table, temporarily at least.

But a loss would almost certainly see them slide into the bottom half of the points table.

In a 5.30 pm curtainraiser, a Corinthians Xl, including former internationals Brian Turner, Ron Armstrong, Dave Taylor and Keith Nelson, will play a Kingz invitation side, who will feature Chris Turner, Matthew Ridge, Tony Jasper, Kevin Hagan, Sean Hird, Alex Metzger and, in goal, Dave Bright.

Kingz squad: Chris Marsh, Julio Cuello, Che Bunce, Gerard Davis, Ivan Vicelich, Michael Cartwright, Riki Van Steeden, Mark Burton, Chris Jackson, Lee Jones, Jeff Campbell, Harry Ngata, Arran Lines, Dennis Ibrahim, Tim Stevens, Paul Urlovic (one to be omitted).