Van 't Schip Confident In Heart Depth

Head Coach John van ‘t Schip is set to show faith in the side which claimed victory over Gold Coast United last week when Melbourne Heart FC takes on the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.

While van ‘t Schip-s hand has been somewhat forced by the absence of Mate Dugandzic and Jason Hoffman in addition the injuries which have befallen Nick Kalmar and Alex Terra, the Dutchman is confident the team which snared all three points on the glitter strip can do so again this week.

“We had to make a number of changes last week compared to the squad which played Newcastle but still managed to produce a win, which is a very good sign that we are getting stronger and the depth we have, we can use,” he said.

“We have to see of course if we make any changes compared to last week. The game against the Mariners will be a bit different maybe, the way they play compared to Gold Coast, which means at least when they have the ball, we need to change a little our way of playing.

“But normally, we-re not going to change that much as first of all we don-t have all the players to do that, and secondly, the boys that played on the Gold Coast deserved to play on Saturday.”

With victory on Saturday set to propel Heart into second place, at least temporarily, on the Hyundai A-League table, the match takes on added importance, particularly given the Red and White-s extended run away from home.

Although Heart will make a return to Victoria next week, taking on the Wellington Phoenix in Morwell, its next assignment at AAMI Park is on December 23, the Melbourne Derby.

Van ‘t Schip though is unequivocal in his refusal to use Heart-s unorthodox schedule as an excuse for any potential poor displays.

“Central Coast away is difficult, but I think every game is difficult, whether at home or away,” he said.

“The good thing is we showed over the last five games we-re a team which is getting stronger and stronger each week, and the two wins instils even more confidence in the boys.”