Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards faces a selection dilemma ahead of his side's elimination final against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards faces a selection dilemma ahead of his side's elimination final against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Striker Shane Smeltz has been passed fit play in the match, after suffering a head gash during New Zealand's 2-1 win over New Caledonia in World Cup qualifying on March 22.
But with usual defender Dean Heffernan posing plenty of problems up front for the Glory in their 1-1 draw with Adelaide last weekend, Edwards admitted he would be hard pressed to leave the veteran out.
"Shane's a big-game player, there's no doubt about that. But in saying that, we know that the likes of Dean Heffernan are more versatile than they ever were before," Edwards said at Perth Airport on Thursday.
"A lot of eyebrows were raised with him playing up there last week but we're going to put out a team that's going to cause Melbourne Victory as much problems as we can.
"Whether that includes Shane, or whether that includes Dean, we'll have to wait until the team runs out on Friday."
Smeltz said that while he had largely avoided heading the ball at training this week, his wound - which required 15 stitches to close - is not giving him any problems.
"This week we've had two or three sessions and I haven't had to tape it up or anything like that," the 31-year-old said.
"We haven't done a lot of heading but it's been fine.
"It's sort of touch and go whether I'll tape it up, but I might have to. That won't bother me.
"I'm right to go and I'm looking forward to it."
Edwards will also have to find a place for midfielder Liam Miller, with the 32-year-old Irishman back from suspension for the game.