Soccer: Veteran Aussie in Kingz lineup

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Kevin Fallon has wasted no time pressing former Socceroo defender Robbie Hooker into action with the Football Kingz.

After playing a practice game and helping the Kingz to a 3-1 win over Mt Wellington within hours of arriving in Auckland on Monday, the 34-year-old is in Fallon's starting lineup to play the Brisbane Strikers at Ericsson Stadium tonight.

"This game will be part of his two-week trial," Fallon said.

"He will play again next week. So far, I like what I have seen. He is tough and gives us something at the back."

To accommodate Hooker, a veteran of 384 NSL games - only five people have played more - Fallon has switched captain Chris Jackson back to the midfield.

Hooker will join another league veteran, John Markovski, and Sean Douglas at the back.

Jackson's move to the midfield means there will be no room in the starting lineup for Mark Burton.

"Markovski did okay last week," Fallon said. "I want to keep the big fella involved.

"His height is an asset. He knows he has to improve some aspects, but generally he is happy with the way things have gone."

While Fallon has focused on getting his defence better organised, he has spent some time in the past couple of days working with the attack.

He will again choose the now-established strikeforce of Paul Urlovic and Andy Vlahos, but will be unable to call on Campbell Banks, who is sidelined with a broken little toe.

Banks has signed for the rest of the season, but no decision on his future beyond that will be made until the coach for next season is named, which could still be a couple of months away.

Tonight's game gives the Kingz the chance to avenge the 2-1 loss they suffered in Brisbane.

Fallon is expecting no favours from the third-placed side, who last week lost 4-2 to leaders Perth Glory.

"They are a strong team," he said. "I was a little surprised they took Fernando Rech off at halftime, but generally they look well organised. They dominated the first 15-20 minutes in Perth.

"Their goalkeeper has played in the premier league, and they have a couple of Scottish lads at the back."

The Kingz, for only the second time this season, can take the confidence of a last-start win into the match.

Honours between the Kingz and the Strikers have been shared, with two wins each and a draw in five clashes.

Football Kingz: Michael Theoklitos, Robbie Hooker, John Markovski, Sean Douglas, Jonathan Perry, Chris Jackson (capt), George Goutzioulis, Harry Ngata, Jeff Campbell, Paul Urlovic, Andy Vlahos. Substitutes: James Bannatyne, Hiroshi Miyazawa, Mark Burton, Gerard Davis.

Brisbane Strikers (likely): Jason Kearton, Richie Alagich, Shane Stefanutto, Stuart McLaren (capt), Peter Grierson, Fernando Rech, Paul Foster, Kris Trajanovski, John Carbone, Wayne Heath, Daniel Drager. Substitutes: Corey Baldock, Michael Baird, Matthew McKay, Ronnie McQuilter.