Time ticks down for ‘Zullo worrier’

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MICHAEL Zullo says he hasn't asked Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau for any favours to win Ange Postecoglou over.

But Zullo may be worried time is running out to earn a FIFA World Cup spot given the Socceroos have one farewell clash against South Africa in Sydney in May after Postecoglou names his final 23-man squad bound for Brazil.

The Socceroos boss last week said he would consider Zullo as a World Cup defender — rather than a winger — before the Socceroos dropped a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 to Ecuador at London's The Den on Thursday.

"You'd like to think that everyone is still a (Socceroos) chance for every position on the field,'' said Zullo.

"I don't think anything is final in Ange's squad.

"I wouldn't ask Josep (Gombau) to move me around the pitch, I just want to play in the best position for the squad where he needs me and I enjoy playing on left wing as well."

Gombau blooding Zullo as a left back in Adelaide's 5-1 thrashing over Wellington Phoenix last week may have been a coincidence after Postecoglou was adamant the door was open for the skilful dynamo.

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But that defensive move has potentially given the Brisbane-born former Roar gun his best chance of playing World Cup football in Brazil.

Zullo was yesterday playing in the left back role in Gombau's "preferred XI" in a training session at Hindmarsh before Adelaide faces table-topping Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Zullo's brilliant cross led to Adelaide clinching a season defining 2-1 win in Brisbane in January.

Jordan Elsey nailed the match winner in stoppage time after Roar was reduced to 10 men for 50 minutes when Diogo Ferreira was expelled.

Zullo said he would again subdue celebrations in his home town out of respect for his old club and large family that are Roar membership holders if the Reds claimed three points.

"It's a nice thing to do (not celebrate wins against former clubs),'' Zullo said.

"It think when players do I really appreciate it, it's such a big game and it means a lot for the fans and I don't really want to rub it in their faces because they were so good to me while I was there. That club still means a lot to me."

But Adelaide has been bolstered for the Roar clash.

The return of brilliant playmaker Marcelo Carrusca after missing last week's clash with an adductor strain and defender Jon McKain from suspension will add creativity, strength and depth.

Ryan Griffiths is also up for selection after recovering from a shin complaint and concussion.

Sergio Cirio also appears to be 100 per cent fit after he was knocked unconscious during the Phoenix clash while Bruce Djite is unlikely to recover from an adductor injury.

But Adelaide surely won't be firing blanks in Brisbane given the club's most potent attacking trio Jeronimo Neumann (eight goals), Cirio (seven goals) and Fabio Ferreira (seven goals) should start on Sunday.

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