Carlo Armiento looks set to play a key role as provider for striker Charlie Austin in Brisbane Roar's A-League Men clash with powerhouse Melbourne City.
Left winger Armiento joined the Roar from Perth Glory in the preseason and was the side's best in their season-opening scoreless draw with Macarthur FC last week.
The 23-year-old missed all of last season with the Glory after suffering his second ACL injury but his A-League start with the Roar was impressive as he sent in several dangerous crosses and linked nicely with Austin.
Ahead of Friday night's showdown with City at Suncorp Stadium, Roar coach Warren Moon said Armiento was a key signing for the team.
"Carlo was a left-sided player that we'd been looking at for a while. He is very attacking, gets forward and likes to take people on," Moon said.
"We've got a striker (Austin) who likes to feed off crosses...so we are really pleased to have Carlo.
"It was a really encouraging start for him and those combinations will only get better."
Moon substituted Armiento after an hour last week.
"That's part of the slow build for him. He is still recovering from a pretty serious injury so it is about managing his game load," Moon said.
"Sixty minutes is where we thought he'd get to. It will probably be a few weeks before he is up to full fitness."
The Roar created plenty of chances against the Bulls last week and played with attacking flair without being able to find the back of the net.
Their defence was also solid and well organised and it will need to be again against City who boast Socceroos Jamie Maclaren, Andrew Nabbout, Marco Tilio and Mathew Leckie in the forward line.
"They are good aren't they? Maybe they can lend us one," Moon said.
"That's the challenge. That's why they are who they are. We have to be concentrating and switched-on because they can punish you from a slight mistake."
"It doesn't get much tougher than the benchmark of the competition for the last three years.
"We expect a tough challenge, but we hope with a big turnout and home support we can get the job done."
City started their campaign last week with a 2-1 win over Western United.
