Brisbane Roar midfielder David Dodd has suffered a setback in his push for a first-team place, suffering a quadriceps injury that threatens to rule him out of next week's blockbuster against Celtic.
Dodd took a knock to his quadriceps during training on Friday and will be battling to be fit for the July 12 blockbuster clash against the Scottish Premier League runners-up.
"I'd love to play against Celtic, it's not every day you get to play a huge team like that," Dodd said.
"I'll definitely be trying to get myself right for that, but if not I'll focus on the start of the season."
The 24-year-old said he was hoping to carry his positive pre-season form into the Hyundai A-League.
"I think I've got a lot more to prove this year," he said.
"Last season I was just getting into it, I'm finally figuring what it's all about this season.
"I've just got to knuckle down and take things a bit more seriously. The main thing is that I'm enjoying my football, which I have been until this injury."
"I've got nothing to lose, because I know I can do it, it's just a matter of getting out there."
Although he conceded it would be tough to crack into a very competitive Brisbane Roar midfield, the introduction of Gold Coast United provided added incentive for the former Palm Beach player.
Dodd said he 'couldn't wait' to face his hometown team when they travelled to Suncorp Stadium for the league opener on August 8.
"All the boys are up for it, so the first tackle will be good," he said.