Central Coast Mariners midfielder Adrian Caceres is due to return after a minor back strain kept him out of the club's first win of the season. After the season-ending injury to fellow midfielder Ahmad Elrich, the Mariners attacking midfielder stocks have been somewhat depleted but the imminent return of Caceres would bolster a side buoyed by a stunning away win in Queensland in Round 3.

Speaking to the club's official website, Caceres was positive about playing a part in this week's important match against Wellington Phoenix at home.

"It's been a bit difficult in terms of breaking through the pain barrier from last week, but the pain is going away so hopefully this week I can get back on the training ground and get going.

"I was devastated that I couldn't be in Queensland, but really happy for the boys that they got the three points, that's what really mattered and hopefully I can be part of the team in Wellington and contribute to another three points."

Despite the fact the Mariners have only had the one win so far, Caceres maintained that the club was remaining confident and was indeed looking forward to improving their win/loss record.

"We've always been confident and we've always been buzzing, it's just disappointing that we couldn't get the wins earlier on. Nothing has really changed following the Queensland win because the boys are still buzzing and doing really well."

The challenge of facing Wellington away is always a daunting one, especially considering they have their backs to the wall following two losses, but the pacey winger was adamant that the Mariners could get the job done.

"It's always tough going to Wellington, it's always a hard trip and they're going to want to bounce back from a loss so it's going to be tricky, as long as we stay professional and do our jobs, hopefully we take three points and come away winners."