Duke ready for Roar

Central Coast striker Mitchell Duke is itching to go, ahead of the Mariners’ trip to tackle Brisbane Roar on Friday.

The Mariners will be out to extend their five-point buffer at the top of the A-League table, while Duke will also be looking to add to his impressive display last start.

Duke, 22, was outstanding off the bench last week, bagging a second half double in the Mariners’ come from behind win over Adelaide.

It was such a breakthrough performance for the young striker that Mariners coach Graham Arnold is predicting big things.

Whether he starts against Brisbane or is introduced in the second half, Duke is champing at the bit to back up his stellar performance in Gosford.

After starting the first two games of the season, an ankle injury kept Duke on the sidelines for several weeks.

But he showed last week he has what it takes to make an impact as a professional with two very well taken goals.

“Last week was good, I got a chance and was happy how I did,” Duke said.

“Now I’ve got to keep playing well and be consistent and do a job whenever I go on.”

Duke has set himself big goals for the rest of the season.

“I’d love to hit double figures,” he said.

“There’s no point setting easy goals for yourself.”

With Adam Kwasnik also ruled out for the season with a knee injury, Duke has a shot at establishing himself in Arnold’s game day squad.

Meanwhile, defender Trent Sainsbury is expected to return from injury, while holding midfielder Nick Montgomery is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card in the Adelaide victory.

“We’re both down at the bottom of the table and it’s going to be a tough game.”