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Djite picked for crucial clash

15 May 2008 | 17:22 - SBS

Finale... Adelaide will be hoping Djite signs off in style against Changchun (Getty Images)

Adelaide United striker Bruce Djite has been declared fit and available to travel with the Reds for the club's massive AFC Champions League Group E decider against Changchun Yatai on Wednesday.

Djite received the all-clear from club medical staff at training, having made a full recovery from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the last three Champions League matches.

"It felt pretty good. The sprint test and the kicking went pretty well and I am ready to go," Djite said.

While he passed the necessary physical tests, Djite said he was still somewhat cautious when training with the squad, as he is wary of how simply the injury occurred whilst training with the Socceroos in late March.

"I am a bit nervous and tentative because when I did it initially I felt fine and then with one kick you're out for two months. It feels about 95 per cent so I don't want to go gung-ho on one kick and then go back another two months," he said.

The strong, robust forward has been making headlines of a different kind after it was announced he would be moving to play in Europe next season, but now that he is clear to play in the final match of the group stage, his focus is solely on being part of the Reds' squad in China.

"I really want to help the team in what is one of the most important games in the club's history and I would more than love to play a part in it," Djite said.

"There is a really good feeling among the group and I definitely think we can make it to the next stage."

Djite's inclusion is welcome news for United coach Aurelio Vidmar since fellow striker Dez Giraldi pulled out of the match with a hamstring strain.

Giraldi has made a number of cameo appearances in the Champions League, but the injury will now prevent him from making a final showing for the Reds before his contract expires in June.

Vidmar has stated Djite and Paul Agostino will start on the bench due to their lack of match fitness but either could be brought on to make an impact during a match that United must draw or win to

progress through to the next stage of the competition.

 

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