Words: Breeanna Reidy
Image: Michael Flynn

Attacking weapon Nico Bechar will make his long-awaited return for Redlands United in their Westfield FFA Cup match against Olympic FC tomorrow night at Cleveland Showgrounds.

Bechar, 25, was a stand-out for the Red Devils in 2014 and returns to the bayside club after making 12 appearances with New Zealand club Team Wellington in the ASB Premiership over the summer.

His commitments across the Tasman meant the winger was unavailable for the start of the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland season.

Bechar has trained with the squad since Easter, however his return was delayed as he awaited an International Transfer Clearance before being required to serve a two-match suspension that carried over from his time in New Zealand.

Redlands Technical Director Matt Chandler believes the Frenchman’s presence in the line-up on Wednesday will inspire the team in the attacking third in the do-or-die Westfield FFA Cup Brisbane Zone Round 5 Qualifying tie.

“Nico will bring us another attacking impetus in the team which will certainly help going forward,” he explained.

“He is looking sharp in training, very sharp and I’m sure that he is pleased to be back in the framework for a place in the starting eleven.”

“The whole squad is looking good ahead of the match and I think they will be going into this game with confidence,” Chandler concluded.

Redlands will need to overcome indifferent early season form to defeat the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland league-leading Olympic FC, with the Red Devils currently sitting in tenth place in the standings and yet to record a competitive win in 2015.