Soccer: Rodriguez hopes for last-minute go-ahead

The paperwork is completed but Portuguese striker Dani Rodriguez will not know until later today if he can play for the Knights in their second A-League Pre-Season Cup game tonight.

Rodriguez was in the 16-strong squad who flew to Brisbane yesterday for the game against Queensland Roar in Maroochydore, but is still awaiting confirmation of his registration with Football Federation Australia.

If it is completed, Rodriguez seems certain to play at least part of the game as the Knights seek to build on their encouraging 1-1 draw with Newcastle Jets last Sunday.

Darren Bazeley and Greg Duruz, who played a few minutes late in that season-opener, have travelled, as has newcomer Richard Johnson, who took no part last Sunday.

With goalkeeper Danny Milosevic still ill, Michael Turnbull is the only goalkeeper in the party. Also staying at home is Neil Emblem, who has yet to recover from a calf injury.

Coach Paul Nevin is taking a cautious approach to these early season games.

"While it is important to do well and put down a marker for the season, equally I will not push players who are not 100 per cent at this stage of our preparation."

In the other pool B match, Sydney are at home to Newcastle this afternoon.

Knights
Michael Turnbull, Che Bunce, Sime Kovacevic, Frank van Eijs, Greg Duruz, Noah Hickey, Jonas Salley, Malik Buari, Scott Gemmill, Michael White, Adam Casey, Jonti Richter, Darren Bazeley, Sean Devine, Richard John, Dani Rodriguez.