Porter set to return to Gold Coast line-up

Gold Coast United striker Joel Porter is ready to return to the starting line-up after more than two months out because of injury.

The 31-year old, who netted five times last term, last played a full match for United on August 13 but has since been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

After managing 34 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Adelaide United last Sunday, Porter is ready to be deployed as a starter when Gold Coast meet Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

“It was good to get the game time against Adelaide and to get a bit of a run but I just want to get on with playing games, scoring goals and getting Gold Coast to the top of the league,” Porter said.

The former Hartlepool United star will partner Bruce Djite in the attacking third and expects to quickly tee up a relationship with talented youngster.

“Even glimpses in training when we're doing our shape, we have a good understanding. If we're close enough together we're smart enough players to bring each other into the game,” he added.

“He's already shown he can score and create goals so hopefully I can get on the end of a few that he and the other boys in midfield like Jason Culina, Zenon Caravella and Robson have created.”