Reluctant Reid in Reds' final plans

Media man Nick Kerber, left, tries to talk Paul Reid into talking to media with Eugene Galekovic, right. Picture: Ray Titus Source: The Advertiser

Usucar's bad luck has put Reid back on the squad list, with coach Rini Coolen declaring he went with gut instincts to reinstate the midfielder.

The Dutchman usually has three choices for the holder's role - Usucar, Adam Hughes and Reid - in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Usucar's disciplined, high-pressing game has made him a regular starter.

Reid again refused to front the media yesterday despite officials' calls for the midfielder to clear the air over his walkout last week.

Coolen could have taken the obvious option - expel the midfielder from the camp until his contract expires on March 31 - but instead Reid was given a stay of execution.

Not many professional clubs would have put up with a player's self-imposed exile but Coolen said he put the club first.

"We need Paul Reid," Coolen said.

"This decision was made for the good of the club. The players all wanted him back."

Despite being rocked by Reid's unwillingness to put his game shirt on last week, the midfielder is now a chance to start against Gold Coast United in the Reds' second elimination final at Hindmarsh on Sunday.

Reid was welcomed back to the Adelaide camp on Saturday, less than 12 hours after Usucar was forced off with an adductor muscle injury.

Reid's return appeared to be more than coincidental after the club was embarrassed by the series of public events that unfolded last Thursday when Reid failed to train.

Usucar was in doubt for the winning elimination final clash against Wellington Phoenix last week but battled on until the 85th minute.

The Uruguayan is in serious doubt for the clash against the Gold Coast, with Adelaide's backroom team racing against time to get him fit.

Reid's return comes after Coolen's attempts to strengthen the side appeared to rock the camp in December.

The signing of Usucar, Andy Slory, Osama Malik and Dario Bodrusic seemingly invaded the comfort zones of Reds' regulars, who were rarely challenged for starting berths until the quartet's arrival.

The signing of Gold Coast's Zenon Caravella's for next season has also ruffled some feathers. Coolen said squad competition was healthy and he now had options.

The Dutchman has won games by having a deep substitute's bench and the introduction of Mathew Leckie for Slory on Friday night proved that point superbly.

The change swung the momentum Adelaide's way, with Leckie proving a handful before Travis Dodd scored the winner in the 70th minute.

Additions to the squad have also allowed Coolen to discover that some players - signed by former boss Aurelio Vidmar - are not ready for regular A-League action.