Sydney FC head coach Frank Farina has backed Brett Emerton despite recent criticising directed at the midfielder.
The former Blackburn Rovers man has been accused of not delivering for the Sky Blues this season with some even suggesting he should be left out of the starting line-up but Farina has absolutely no plans of doing that this weekend's clash with league leaders Central Coast Mariners.
"Everyone has the right to their opinion and I don't have an issue with it," said Farina.
"But no one was speaking too much when Brett scored the winner against the Central Coast in the 90th minute, scores the equaliser against Melbourne Heart in the 89th minute or sets up the goal in Perth when we drew 2-2.
"By his own admission he probably feels like he can do more.
"Everyone has a right to their opinion but the only opinion that counts in this team and the eleven that go on the park is mine.
"Brett will play on Saturday."