Everyone fit and firing at Gold Coast – Okon

Gold Coast United assistant coach Paul Okon says almost the entire squad is fit and firing and ready for Melbourne Victory this weekend.

The A-League club are placed well for a top-two finish in just their debut season and with all of their players pushing for selection it has them in an envious position leading into the play-offs.

This Friday, they host the reigning champions in what promises to be a blockbuster and Okon is confident the players will put on a good show after being completely undermanned last time the clubs met.

“Everyone is fit and raring to go for this one. They are all bursting out of their skins to play on Friday night and nobody wants to miss out,” said Okon.

“With half a team we got well beaten down there and earlier in the season we did well with ten men but lost (3-2) to a late, twice-taken penalty.

“This time will be different though. Finally we can face Melbourne with everyone on board and it’s going to be a good game with a lot at stake.

“It’s a huge game by any description. Certainly it’s the match of the round and the biggest game in our season so far in terms of how important the result is for both teams.

“Melbourne are the Champions; they’re a very good side, but there’s everything to play for as far as we are concerned.”

Gold Coast are currently third on the league table, a point behind first-placed Sydney FC and equal with the Victory, who play their catch up game against their Wellington Phoenix tonight at Etihad Stadium.