Engelaar set to debut in Heart's 100th match

Melbourne Heart FC have received a boost ahead of their 100th match in the Hyundai A-League, with marquee Orlando Engelaar set to ‘play a part’ in tonight’s match.

Melbourne Heart FC have received a boost ahead of their 100th match in the Hyundai A-League, with marquee Orlando Engelaar set to ‘play a part- in tonight-s match..

Head Coach van't Schip confirmed that the 14-time Dutch international is likely to feature at some point during tonight-s Harvey Norman Friday Night Football clash against the Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park.

"Orlando will certainly be a part of the squad," van't Schip said.

"We are still deciding what kind of role he will have but we are thinking about bringing him in for a part of the game or starting him like we did with the youth team but that-s something that we will decide tomorrow."

Engelaar played out a successful 30-minute cameo with the Foxtel National Youth League team on Sunday and will be making his long awaiting return to the senior team after sustaining a fractured tibia in a pre-season friendly match against Brisbane Roar.

Engelaar's debut is a positive inclusion for van't Schip's side and the coach has thrown his confidence behind the midfielder to perform in any either a defensive or attacking midfield role.

"On the ball he's very comfortable, confident player, has a good vision of the game and of course his experience is very important,” van-t Schip said.

"He can play in a defensive role and he can even play in an attacking kind of role."

The milestone match also marks van't Schip's return as coach to AAMI Park with the Dutchman looking for his side to capitalise on the occasion.

"Every game is an opportunity, home or away,” van-t Schip said.

"We are approaching it every time in that way and this will be a game again that-s possible we can get our first win so we'll go for that.

"The most important thing is we are still working on something a little bit different… and we are still improving on that.

"That said, we are looking of course with that improvement to get better results."

To mark the Club-s 100th match in the competition, Melbourne Heart will don a fan-designed alternative Third Kit, manufactured by the Club-s kit sponsor Kappa and sponsored by MatchWorks. The kit will feature the names of over 5,000 Melbourne Heart FC members.

The match ball for tonight-s game will be delivered by one of the Club-s foundation members via a Westpac Rescue Helicopter to AAMI Park.

Westpac Victoria has so far raised $75,000 for the Victorian ‘choppers and is aiming to reach $100,000 at tomorrow night-s match, with the goal of "100 for 100".

Match Details Hyundai A-League Round 15 Melbourne Heart FC v Newcastle Jets AAMI Park, Melbourne Kick-off: 7.30pm