Melbourne City winger Craig Noone says he'll be touch-and-go to feature in the A-League grand final but is confident he's done everything possible to return from a knee injury.
Noone, who was injured in a tackle from Central Coast's Matt Simon on May 22, was named on the bench to return in City's semi-final against Macarthur before being a late withdrawal.
The 33-year-old said he trained normally on Wednesday but has primarily focused on "resting and treatment" ahead of Sunday's decider at AAMI Park.
"I'm going to be touch-and-go but I'm doing everything I can and leaving no stone unturned this week in order to get up for that," Noone told AAP.
"So it's fingers crossed at the moment and as you can imagine, I'll be doing anything I can to get ready for the granny.
"If you're honest with yourself and you do everything you can to get up for it
"The recovery side of things, sleep, treatment and ice and stuff. If I get up I can hold my hand up and say 'I've done it'.
"But if not I'll be happy to say 'I've done everything I can to get up for it but I'm not right.'
"That'll be something that I'll discuss with the medical staff and go from there."
Noone scored six goals and delivered eight assists to help City to the premiers plate.
But he and City are hungry for redemption for last season's grand final loss to Sydney FC in what could well be Noone's last game for the club, having been linked with a move to Macarthur FC.
"We went so close last year and losing in the grand final certainly motivated me to not want that feeling again," Noone said.
"I'm sure the other lads as well will be the same, they don't want to get so close, and not get over the line.
"That'll be the difference this year - we're that determined to do it."
Noone also has an extra motivation for wanting to beat former Bolton and Cardiff teammate and good friend Adam Le Fondre, who is eyeing his third consecutive championship with Sydney.
Sharing a passion for golf, the pair normally regularly chat but Noone expected radio silence this week.
"We both know not to speak to each other (this) week and we'll catch up after the game's finished," Noone said.
"He's done so well here. He's won the championship and he's won the premiers plate. Not that it's a competition but it would be nice to have that (a championship) myself."
Australian Associated Press
