Striker Thomas James will miss Sunday's showdown with Marconi after being unable to gain a release from finals-bound A-League club Perth Glory in time.
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However, the Englishman, who was the spark behind Wollongong Wolves' march to the NSW National Premier and national knockout finals series title double, is set to return next week in a major boost to the club.
James signed with the Glory prior to the A-League restart, however he was not named in the squad for the team's final six regular season games, the last of which being Wednesday night's loss to Western United.
Wollongong coach Luke Wilkshire said the NSW NPL player-of-the-year is even more determined to prove he has the talent to shine in the A-League.
"There's no hiding from the fact he's disappointed," Wilkshire said.
"For him to go, seemingly having an opportunity and for it to not eventuate.
"He's a motivated individual. He didn't go there to make up the numbers, which is what essentially happened. He went there with the aim to play and make a difference. I stand by the belief that he's capable of playing in the A-League if given the opportunity. Naturally it's disappointing, but he's excited to come back and play football again."
The move to Perth was initially considered the ideal home for James, with the Glory a quality side in the mix for the A-League championship.
The contract came after the 27-year-old had initially fielded interest from Central Coast and Western United in the past 18 months.
James linked up with the Glory hoping to fight his way into the match-day squad and show he could mix it with the best footballers in the country. Instead, he spent a month sitting on the sidelines, with the Perth coaching staff opting not to utilise the Englishman.
"He was there for a month and obviously (coach) Tony Popovic didn't see what I see in him," Wilkshire said.
"For whatever reason he didn't involve him at any stage. Everyone's different, football is an opinions game and it comes down to the boss's preference at the time."
While Wilkshire is thrilled to have the attacking threat back in his squad, he said James will not simply walk into the starting XI once he becomes available to play.
"First and foremost, he's got to get into the team. We have a great squad with competition for places, no one walks straight in, not even Thomas James."