Soccer: Yorke could make return against Knights

Soccer superstar Dwight Yorke could make his return for Sydney FC against the New Zealand Knights in Auckland on Saturday night.

Yorke, who captained Trinidad and Tobago at the recent World Cup, rejoined the defending A-League champions at training in Sydney yesterday ahead of their pre-season match against the Knights at North Harbour Stadium.

He admitted his fitness was "shocking" and there was no date set for his return, but reports said he may be given time off the bench on Saturday.

"I have not kicked a ball since the World Cup. It has been a long, hard season on top of the World Cup," he told The Australian newspaper.

"Thankfully, the Sydney FC management gave me ample time to recharge the battery, so I can't wait to get back in to the full swing of things.

"My target regarding my fitness is the beginning of the season. Of course, it would be nice to win the games in the pre-season and install confidence in the side, but it is not the be all and end all."

The Knights are coming off encouraging 1-1 draws against Newcastle and Queensland while Sydney have won both their pre-season matches to date.

Yorke inspired Sydney to victory in the inaugural A-League last year but admitted he may not see out his contract with the club, which runs until next season.

"To be quite honest with you, there is interest even now as we speak. But, it is not my job to talk about that. We will wait and see. At the minute I'm here. I've reported back on the day they (the club) said I had to report back here.

"I signed a two-year contract and my obligation is to fulfil that.

"Whether that continues or not I don't know. You just never know in football. At the present time I'm here and I'm prepared to do my job which is to play football for Sydney FC.

"Unless I am told otherwise I am here for the coming season."

- NZPA