Soccer: Rufer to get on to paddock tonight against Carlton

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Wynton Rufer is back.

The Oceania footballer of the century and Football Kingz player-coach will be in action at Ericsson Stadium tonight as the Auckland-based team attempt to get their Australian National Soccer League season back on track.

The Kingsz play Carlton, the Melbourne side who handed the Kingz a 0-3 hiding in their NSL debut, and Rufer's return is one of a number of changes from the team who went down 1-5 in Perth last weekend.

While the starting line-up has yet to be revealed, Rufer will either start up front with Paul Urlovic or come into the game from the substitutes' bench.

In pitching Rufer into the 14 for the first time this season and finding room for Tim Stevens' return from injury, assistant coach Shane Rufer has dropped Lee Jones and Riki Van Steeden from the squad who fronted in Perth.

Aaron Silva, the extra player taken on that journey, is also missing.

The Kingz might be tempted to tamper with the formation yet again, which could mean a return to the starting XI for captain Harry Ngata, who could join in-form Arran Lines, Mark Burton and Ivan Vicelich in the midfield.

Shane Rufer is looking for better commitment in his team's seventh outing.

"Every game is important. We have to get focused and every player has to do his job," he said. "If six or seven play to their potential we can win. Last week only three did."

Carlton, with All Whites' defender Sean Douglas in their squad will be no easybeats.

With the league's leading goalscorer Archie Thompson, who has averaged a goal a game, leading the way, Carlton have been impressive.

They are equal third and just three points behind joint leaders Sydney Olympic and Wollongong, and well placed to mount a real challenge.

"This will be a tough and difficult match," Carlton coach Stuart Munro said. "At present we are a good squad who will get better. But the Kingz will be hungry for a win after three losses."

The game starts at 7.30 pm.

Kingz squad: Chris Marsh, Julio Cuello, Chris Jackson, Levent Osman, Michael Cartwright, Che Bunce, Jeff Campbell, Arran Lines, Mark Burton, Harry Ngata, Ivan Vicelich, Dennis Ibrahim, Wynton Rufer, Paul Urlovic, Tim Stevens.