Unbeaten Melbourne Victory are determined to send newly-recalled Socceroo Bruno Fornaroli off to the Asian Cup on a high note as they ponder whether to sign another attacker to replace him.
Fornaroli will lead the line against fierce rivals Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Saturday, his final A-League Men game before heading to Socceroos camp in Abu Dhabi on January 1.
It means Victory will be without their main man for up to six games, depending on how the Socceroos fare in Qatar.
Against Melbourne City on Saturday night, Fornaroli went goalless for the first time in four games, failing to add to his tally of 12 after a red-hot start to the season.
Victory are keen to amend that on Saturday night.
"We're all extremely proud. I think everyone at the football club is proud of what he's done so far and getting to the Socceroos," coach Tony Popovic said.
"And knowing him, he'll be sitting there disappointed he didn't score tonight, which is good. And that's probably why he is playing the way he is and he had a couple of half chances today but it was that type of match.
"But he's certainly played his part for the team. We want him to score, finish on a high against Adelaide. If he can score, help contribute to us winning the match.
"And then we'll send him off, support him from afar and we'll continue growing, improving and hopefully getting the wins on the board.
"So when he gets back, he comes back positive from a great trip with a Socceroos, hopefully winning the Asian Cup and then he can come back and help us keep going the in the direction that we want to have."
On Friday, Popovic indicated Victory were working to see if they could find a striker to fill the void while Fornaroli, 36, was away, and to play a role once he returned.
When asked where he was looking, Popovic said: "Europe and Asia. And Australia.
"Maybe there (South America) as well."
In the meantime, youngster Eli Adams is among those who could get more game time in Fornaroli's absence.
Victory will have Christmas Day off but otherwise have preparations as normal ahead of Saturday's clash with Adelaide.
