Mon 15th Jan 2007

One team's loss is often another team's gain and for the NZ Knights this is the case after losing Canadian striker Alen Marcina to international duty.

The front-man will not play the Knights final A-league match against the Perth Glory on Sunday after being called up to the Canadian international squad.

Marcina has turned many heads in his short tenure in the A-league and attracted the attention of many an opposing defender both on and off the ball, such was his threat.

Marcina's converted striking partner Neil Emblen was full of praise for his departing team-mate.

"Up-front he was the ideal foil for me and I thought we complemented each other well," Emblen said. "He used his pace to effect and was always reliable in holding up and staying on the ball.

"I remember at our first training session, while I was a center-back, you could tell that he had the goods. He reminded me a lot of Michael Owen with his physique, skill and pace.

"When he first arrived he was what we were crying out for - an out and out striker," Emblen said. "Although he only scored two goals during the short time he was with us, he proved he was a class act."

Meanwhile, the NZ team also farewells Gregory Duruz who has headed back to Switzerland after injury brought his A-league season to a premature close.

The left-back who has previously played in the Champions league with FC Basel, said he will look to see what options are available in Europe and did not rule out a future in the A-league.

Duruz said he would love to come back and play in the competition although he thinks the new import rule may make that difficult.

The two absentees mean a shortened available squad for NZ Knights manager Ricki Herbert to select from but the addition of young center-back Steve O'Dor covers the loss of John Tambouras, whilst Dean Gordon will remain at left-back.

The Knights finish their second A-league season when the play the Perth Glory at home this Sunday the 21st of January.

NZ KNIGHTS v PERTH GLORY*
North Harbour Stadium
K/O 7pm NZT

*SPECIAL OFFER: Two children (u-15) will be granted free entry with any paying adult to the match against against the Perth Glory.