Troisi to start against Saudi Arabia

Qantas Under 23's coach Rob Baan has indicated young Newcastle United striker James Troisi will start in the crucial 2008 Beijing Olympic qualifier against group leaders Saudi Arabia in Damman tonight.

Qantas Under 23's coach Rob Baan has indicated young Newcastle United striker James Troisi will start in the crucial 2008 Beijing Olympic qualifier against group leaders Saudi Arabia in Damman tonight.

Troisi has been drafted into the squad for the first time in the qualifiers after impressing with Newcastle United in the English Premier League. While he hasn't played a Premier League match, he has been on the bench for a few matches.

However Baan is more than likely to use him in a wide-midfield role on the left, which is somewhat different to his normal role.

"He's adapted very well," Baan said. "You expect someone who's playing for an English Premier League club to be physical and he is, even though he's tiny.

"He usually plays just in behind the strikers but I've got Bridgey [Mark Bridge] in that spot, so he'll play as a wide midfielder on the left."

Baan believes the match in Damman will be much tougher than what his team experienced in Adelaide and again has had a disrupted preparation.

Only a point behind Saudi Arabia on the group table, a win or a draw will be vital if they are to win a spot in the next phase of qualifiers, a fact Baan acknowledged.

"We have our destiny in our own hands," Baan said. "This will be a much more difficult game than the one in Adelaide."

With Mark Milligan sent home because of a troublesome back injury and the late arrival of key strikers Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite because of their AFC Champions League commitments, getting a result will not be easy.

Baan admitted that the Adelaide pair were tired, but the fact they travelled business class helped in their recovery.

Baan also hopes the weather stays the way it is, as its quite mild.

"It's not too hot right now and we'll be playing in the evening, so the conditions will be better for us."

The match kicks off in Damman at 3.30am AEST.