Fowler flies out with Fury squad

Barely a week after being linked to a UK return, North Queensland Fury marquee
signing Robbie Fowler flew out of Townsville on Monday.
But Fury fans can breathe easy - Fowler left with the rest of his A-League side in
the best sign yet that he will make his long-awaited debut.
Fury supporters would have been forgiven for feeling anxious following speculation
linking him to a reunion with ex-Liverpool teammate John Barnes at League One club
Tranmere Rovers.
However, he left for Perth with the rest of the squad after finally overcoming hip
and groin niggles, pencilled in for his debut in Wednesday night's friendly clash
with English Premier League outfit Wolverhampton.
The Fury also play the Glory in Perth on Saturday.
There were concerns Fowler may not be 100 per cent fit after only returning to full
training just last week but Fury boss Don Matheson said the initial signs were good.
"He's on the plane - that's half the battle," Matheson laughed.
"Our coach and medical staff will now determine whether he runs out.
"The ideal situation would be to get 45 minutes out of him (in one game)."
Finally things seem to be falling into place for Fowler.
Apart from overcoming injuries, his wife Kerrie and children Jacob, Madison, Jaya
and Mackenzie recently arrived in north Queensland from the UK and had "settled
nicely", according to Matheson.
That didn't stop a UK newspaper report recently claiming Fowler was bound for the
Rovers because his family were unhappy.
Three big name signings have fallen through for the A-League debutants in the
pre-season but Matheson was adamant Fowler would not break his two-year contract.
"You can't stop agents contacting people, you can't stop old mates ringing if they
did ring," Matheson said alluding to Barnes.
"But we talked to Rob and he is keen to stay with us and play out his contract -
he's been a first class guy about it.
"You would get old very quickly if you listened to all the rumours."
As he counted down to the Wolves showdown, Matheson did not think fellow debutant
Gold Coast United's recent 2-1 friendly win over English Premier League team Fulham
had placed extra pressure on them to perform.
"Trial matches are just that," he said.
"It's important to find combinations, and best structures but in doing that
sometimes you make mistakes and you lose games.
"We are refining the team.
"If the Gold Coast have already got their act together congratulations but for us
the result (in Perth) is not as important as the competition (starting in August).
"Rest assured we are going to be a very different side the next time we play the
Gold Coast (in the season proper)."