Sydney FC's Cole sidelined for Phoenix clash

Sydney FC will again be without Socceroos defender Shannon Cole for Saturday night's A-League preliminary final against Wellington Phoenix at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Cole is still suffering from a hamstring injury he picked up while playing in Australia's 1-0 win over Indonesia in Brisbane last week.

Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka said today Cole was keen to play but he was not willing to risk him when he is not 100 percent fit.

"He has a special training program, he's very keen to play," Lavicka said.

"But he's not ready so we keep him and hopefully he will be available for the grand final if we make it."

Cole will be replaced by Sebastian Ryall who filled in at right back in Sydney's major semi-final loss to Melbourne last week.

- AAP