Soccer: Under-20s may inspire Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Football Kingz assistant coach Shane Rufer hopes some of the grit shown by the New Zealand under-20 team in their heart-stopping win over Australia on Wednesday will rub off on his players.

The Kingz go into the "home" game against National Soccer League contenders Perth Glory tonight, at Christchurch's Jade Stadium, clinging to their faint play-off hopes.

The West Australians handed them their biggest hiding - 5-1 in Perth - in their sixth outing of the season.

Weighing heavily in the Kingz' favour is the taxing journey the Perth side have made.

Supposedly the longest trip in domestic club football, it will test the side who went all the way to last year's grand final where they were a trifle unlucky in being edged out by Wollongong Wolves.

"Perth will not be easy," said Rufer. "They are the best-structured club and team in Oceania. But it will be a big test for them. We know just how hard that journey is. That is something we have to use to our advantage.

"We continue to dominate matches, but lack the ruthlessness we need in front of goal to win."

That lack of scoring ability is quickly exposed with a check of the goalscoring list.

Tim Stevens and Paul Urlovic are the Kingz' top scorers with just four each. Stevens scored two each in the second and third games of the season, but has had limited opportunities since. Urlovic has scored only one goal since his third goal in the away game against Perth.

Looking for inspiration ahead of tonight's game, Rufer said New Zealand sport was on a high this week and the Kingz should be ready to play their part. "We trained with the Warriors this week and watched the under-20s so we have all the inspiration we need."

In the only change from the squad who drew 1-1 away with Adelaide last weekend, striker Dennis Ibrahim comes in for injured defender Che Bunce. In another switch, captain Harry Ngata could return to the starting lineup ahead of Andy Bluhm.

Only six of the team who played against Perth in November are likely to run out tonight.

Likely Kingz lineup: Simon Eaddy, Levent Osman, Michael Cartwright, Sean Douglas, Jeff Campbell, Harry Ngata, Gerard Davis, Mark Burton, Arran Lines, Wynton Rufer, Paul Urlovic. Substitutes: Chris Marsh, Andy Bluhm, Riki Van Steeden, Dennis Ibrahim.