Cassio flare-up 'has an upside'

Adelaide United assistant coach Phil Stubbins smiles as Cassio and Paul Reid embrace at training yesterday. Picture: Ray Titus Source: The Advertiser

The Reds host the Gold Coast at Hindmarsh in an elimination final on Sunday, after another week punctuated by bizarre off-pitch happenings.

Last week it was midfielder Paul Reid telling coach Rini Coolen he was not in the right frame of mind to play against Wellington; this week it was Cassio leaving the training track early on Tuesday, angry that some of his team-mates were training "like schoolboys."

Reid, since returned to the fold, is firming as a likely starter against the Gold Coast because of a groin injury to Uruguyan Pancho Usucar.

The strange events have left Aloisi, who skippered United in the first two seasons of the A-League, scratching his head.

"In all my experience, I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it," Aloisi reflected.

Both Reds captain Travis Dodd and coach Rini Coolen said yesterday that Cassio's walkout was simply a by-product of the Brazilian left-back's passion for the United cause and could be viewed positively.

Although careful to stress that he did not know the "in and the outs" of either Reid's or Cassio's situations, Aloisi was inclined to agree.

"With Cassio, I'd probably see it as more of a positive thing than anything else," Aloisi said.

"If he has stormed off at the end of training for some reason, then I think that would act as a wake-up to the other players. I don't view that negatively.

"With Paul Reid returning, I'm not sure if he has apologised or what has happened. But we are talking about Adelaide United chasing the championship and you need all your players on board to do that."

Coolen yesterday said Usucar was "not a real big chance" to line up against the Gold Coast after being limited to running laps at training.

By contrast Reid, who this time last week had his professionalism questioned by the coach, is rated a "big chance" to play the holding midfield role in the do-or-die clash.

Reid is yet to front the media to explain last week's stand-off.

Midfielder Adam Hughes did not train yesterday because of a knock to the leg but he will be available for the Gold Coast match.