Aloisi available for showdown with brother

Wellington Phoenix captain Ross Aloisi will be available for selection to face brother John Aloisi and the Central Coast Mariners on January 19 after receiving a one-match ban arising from an incident in last weekend’s match against Sydney FC.

Ross Aloisi was sent off in the 91st minute of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 round 19 match against Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium in Wellington for a dangerous tackle on Ufuk Talay.

A Football Federation Australia match review panel yesterday decided that Aloisi would receive a one-match suspension, representing the mandatory match suspension for a red card, meaning he will miss this Friday’s game against Melbourne Victory.

Aloisi will be available for selection for the Phoenix’s final match of the season against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford, setting up the mouth-watering prospect of the Phoenix midfielder’s clash with younger brother John for the first time in a competitive football match.