Soccer: Scots import back to fortify Knights

Former Scottish international Scot Gemmill will return to action for the New Zealand Knights in their A-League Pre-Season Cup clash against Perth Glory at North Harbour Stadium tonight.

Gemmill played the first match but missed the two against Sydney and Adelaide with a slight groin strain. He joins Neil Emblen, in the side for the first time this season, and Che Bunce, who also missed the last two games.

Regular left back Greg Duruz is out after straining a thigh muscle late in yesterday's training session.

"The excitement and anticipation are building nicely towards the start of the season," said Knights coach Paul Nevin. "The match against Perth is another chance to better prepare with that date in mind."

With goalkeeper Danny Milosevic still awaiting the birth of his first child, Blacktown City's Ivan Necevski has been retained and named along with Michael Turnbull.

It promises to be a fiery return to the stadium for former Knights and All Whites midfielder Jeremy Christie.

Released at the end of last season, Christie, who had a thing or two to say about the Knights on his departure, is one of three All Whites at the West Australian club.

Christie is joined by Leo Bertos, who had apparently agreed to join the Knights before a late change of mind. Third All White Adrian Webster has remained in Perth recovering from a hamstring injury.

The game will be a big ask for new Perth coach Ron Smith. He has his third match in charge after taking over from former New Zealand international Alan Vest.

Perth have had a hectic week, returning to their base on Monday following their 3-0 away loss to Sydney FC on Sunday. They were not scheduled to arrive in Auckland until 11.30 last night - just 20 hours before kick-off.

But there will still be more than passing interest in the visitors with Socceroo Stan Lazaridis likely to play after being a late withdrawal from the game in Sydney through illness.

Tonight's winner will meet the winner of the game between Melbourne Victory and Queensland Roar in the play-off for fifth place.

Knights squad
From: Michael Turnbull, Ivan Necevski, Che Bunce, Darren Bazeley, Frank van Eijs, Sime Kovacevic, Neil Emblen, Scot Gemmill, Malik Buari, Jonas Salley, Richard Johnson, Jonti Richter, Noah Hickey, Dani Rodrigues, Sean Devine.

Kick-off: 7.30pm