Glory's Mehmet eyes starting role

With coach Ian Ferguson employing a 4-2-3-1 formation against Roar, Mehmet was forced to bide his time on the bench before replacing Shane Smeltz in the 84th minute.

Smeltz had several opportunities to score during his time on the pitch, but it was Mehmet who finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute, with his beautifully-timed header lifting Glory to a 1-0 win in front of 14,085 fans.

And with Smeltz away on international duties with New Zealand this week, Mehmet has already been told he will be starting against the Mariners, who were held to a 0-0 draw in their opening game against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Mehmet hoped his match-winning effort against Roar would convince Ferguson to hand both him and Smeltz starting roles together down the track.

"I was disappointed as anyone would be at not starting the first game of the season," Mehmet said.

"But that's life. You've just got to get on with it.

"I came on and hopefully I've proven a bit of a point.

"Fergie has already told me I'm definitely playing (against Central Coast). I just hope to do well and stay in the team regardless of whether Smeltz is here or not."

Glory will monitor the fitness of left-back Scott Jamieson over the coming days after the defender carried an illness into Sunday's encounter.

Ferguson was confident Japanese recruit Ryo Nagai, who strained his hamstring during a pre-season game against Melbourne Heart, would be available for selection against the Mariners.