Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina isn't expecting former teammate Mark Bosnich to be suffering any nerves when he makes his long-awaited return to professional football tomorrow.
Bosnich will start in goal for the first of a likely five-game A-League stretch with the Central Coast Mariners against the Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
It will be the first time since 2001 the 36-year-old has strapped on the gloves in a top-tier competition, but Roar coach Farina has no doubts the former Socceroo, Manchester United and Chelsea goalkeeper will make life difficult his strikers.
"We saw Mark play against Sydney in the pre-season cup and he was exceptional," said Farina of Bosnich's only previous appearance for the Mariners last month - a 3-0 win over Central Coast which included a Steve Corica penalty save.
"Mark's been there and done that and I don't nerves will play any part in it."
The return of Bosnich, who has fought his way back from the depths of drug abuse and depression in recent years, comes as Danny Vukovic begins a five-match ban as part of his suspension for manhandling the referee in last season's grand final.
Socceroo capped midfielder Mile Jedinak is also set to return in a major boost for the winless Mariners after missing the past two months with a groin injury, with Dylan Macallister, back from a rib injury, to bolster further coach Lawrie McKinna's forward stocks.
"Considering the squad that we've had for both of our opening games, with a wee bit of luck we could have won both games and could be sitting top of the A-League," said Mariners coach McKinna, whose side conceded late goals in both their 1-1 draw with Newcastle and 3-2 loss to Sydney FC in the opening two rounds.
"There have been a lot of positives to come out of both games, (young defender) Pedj Bojic has been outstanding, (Nigel) Boogaard is back now, Matt Simon is back and doing well, (Sasho) Petrovski is doing well and (Adrian) Caceres and (Ahmad) Elrich are getting better with every game.
"Jedinak and Macallister will be up for selection on Sunday ... it'll take us about two or three weeks for our squad to get bigger, which puts more pressure on players to perform, which is what it's all about."
The Roar, too, are yet to register a win this season after a pair of 1-1 draws with Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United.
"Like everyone else we won't to get a win on the board," Farina said.
"We're travelling alright and after two games we're only two points off top spot."
Queensland will be without Josh McCloughan for the game after the central defender tweaked his groin while training.
Teenager Luke DeVere, back from Australian under-20s duty, is expected to come in as his replacement, with midfielder Danny Tiatto declaring himself a certain starter following a fitness test on his injured calf.
The Roar have won three of the last four meetings between the clubs and lost just once to the Mariners - at Suncorp Stadium last September - in the first three years of the A-League.
