Former Socceroo Danny Tiatto is no guarantee of making his Queensland Roar debut in a friendly against South Africa's Supersport United in Brisbane on Sunday.

The 34-year-old has returned to Australia after 11 years in Europe to reunite with his former Socceroos mentor Frank Farina, but has hardly been sighted at the A-League club.

Snapped up on a two-year deal, Tiatto has only had one training session with Queensland after returning from an enforced five-week break to freshen up.

Farina said on Friday Tiatto would only be used "sparingly" - if at all - against the well-regarded Pretoria-based club at Suncorp Stadium.

"He's only just come back in, he's had five weeks off," Farina said.

"He's most probably a bit behind the other players in terms of his preparation physically.

"That will be determined on the day whether he starts on the bench or whether he comes on at all.

"He will definitely be part of the squad and getting his taste of what is the best football ground in Australia, Suncorp Stadium."

Tiatto played 25 times for Australia before retiring from international football in 2005 - the same year Farina lost the national coaching reins.

Despite being told to rest by Farina, the former Leicester City and Manchester City defender is believed to have spent the last month working on his fitness in Melbourne.

Roar players who will definitely miss the friendly are Josh McCloughan (rested) and Sasa Ognenovski (ankle).

However, the side will feature new Brazilian signing, attacking midfielder Marcinho.

Farina has clearly been impressed by the Brazilian who has vowed to be better than Melbourne's South American star Fred in his debut season.

But the Roar will be without Olyroo hopeful Spase Dilevski after he signed a three-year contract with Romanian first division outfit Universitatea Craiova.

Farina said the clash against Supersport United was an ideal lead-up to their Pre-Season Cup opener against Sydney FC on the Sunshine Coast on July 14.

"We've been working hard for the last nine, 10 weeks. This is the start for us coming into the Pre-Season Cup so it's an important game in terms of where we want to be come August (season proper kick-off)," he said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP