Soccer: Knights plot perfect get-well message for coach

After what seems an eternity, a professional New Zealand soccer team will be back in action tonight.

From the long-extinguished embers of the Football Kingz have emerged the NZ Knights who play their second round A-League Pre-Season Cup match against Queensland Roar at North Harbour Stadium.

In a late switch, young Jeremy Brockie has been called on to the substitute's bench to replace Zeno Caravella, who is recovering from a knock and a bout of the flu.

Assistant coach Tommy Mason said he was happy with the way his players had come through training this week. "There have been no dramas," said Mason. "They have worked hard and we need to make the progression through the pre-season as best we can.

"We are not here just to make up the numbers. We know that a win here will keep us in with a chance to make the pre-season semifinals." The players are keen to do that and at the same time enjoy their football."

With manager John Adshead under a cloud as he continues his recovery from a prostate cancer operation, the players are especially keen to send him a get well message.

"It would be very nice to have a win for him," said Mason.

Kick-off is at 7pm.