Soccer: Markovski looking at fresh role

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Kevin Fallon is playing an unlikely tune in his search for a quick fix to the Football Kingz' defensive woes.

Big striker John Markovski ran with the team in a central defensive role at training yesterday and may find himself at the back when the Kingz meet Parramatta away on Saturday night.

"We can't buy ourselves out of trouble this week, so I'm trying everything," said coach Fallon yesterday. "I ran the idea past John Markovski and he seemed keen to give it a go."

Fallon is concerned about the lack of height and physical presence in the Kingz' defence.

He sees Markovski as a player who "could do a job" in much the same way Chris Sutton has for Scottish champions Celtic.

Fallon is continuing his search for players to bolster his squad. More hopefuls played in the Kingz' 2-1 win over Central in Monday's practice match but few caught Fallon's eye.

He does, however, continue to be impressed by Mt Albert Grammar School and New Zealand under-17 defender Craig Wylie, whom Fallon sees as possible cover at left back.

Asked whether Wylie is a contender for the trip to Parramatta, Fallon said, simply: "Everybody is in contention."

Fallon was more to the point when asked whether two losses in two matches would force him to follow Mike Petersen in quitting.

"You're joking. I'm going to sort it out," said Fallon. "It was never going to be easy."

Fallon refuses to be drawn into off-field issues including Wynton Rufer's ongoing "will he, won't he" future with the Kingz.

"That's between Wynton and the club," said Fallon.

"He has to train and play in the Monday night games before he can be considered. He isn't fit and until he is, he is not part of it."

Kingz chief executive Chris Turner continues to say it is simply a case of Rufer being injured - he is struggling with a calf strain - but continues to be paid by the club.

Che Bunce, who has been sidelined since having a back operation in Iceland in the off season, is being paid from the club's insurance cover.

Turner said he has made an offer to Chris Jackson, but is awaiting a reply. Jackson, who is also considering an offer from Singapore, said any decision would be "personal rather than footballing".

The club is set to employ Barry Williams as team manager in place of Andy Theoklitos, who followed Petersen here from Melbourne.

Former Miramar striker Graeme Little appears to have ruled himself out of any association with the Kingz.

Little has apparently abandoned plans to trial with the club following difficulties in arranging flights back from Scotland.