Reinaldo return 'huge bonus'

The signings of former Scotland international Charlie Miller and Dutch striker Sergio van Dijk has many Roar fans confident that last season's costly wobbles in front of goal will remain a thing of the past. ------------------------- VIDEO: Roar 'quietly confident', says Moore AUDIO: Season preview --------------------

But for Moore, the surprise return of Brazilian striker Reinaldo is the final piece of the puzzle as Queensland try to wash away the bitter taste of last year's gutting preliminary final defeat at the hands of Newcastle.

"We have recruited quite well but with Reinaldo coming back it was a huge bonus. It just gives us that extra presence and a few more options up front. And I think that's crucial in the A-League," Moore said.

Few expected to see the 24-year-old target man back on Australian soil anytime soon when he jetted off for Korean K-League side Busan I'Park after the Roar's harrowing finals exit.

Trouble adjusting to life in Korea prompted a rethink for the softly spoken Reinaldo, who still carries a deep affection for Brisbane, a city that witnessed the birth of his first child, Felipe.

After rejecting offers from rival A-League clubs and Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids, it was a circumspect Reinaldo that glided through the arrivals gate of Brisbane International Airport last week, with the wise words of Moore ringing in his ears.

"Before he left, he spoke with Craig Moore. He said to be careful, money's not everything, it will be a hard place to adapt to. He says he should have listened to an experienced player," Reinaldo's interpreter said shortly after he touched down.

Moore remembers the exchange well, saying he felt Reinaldo was leaving a set-up that was finally seeing him flourish after a difficult start in the bright orange shirt.

"I remember speaking to Reinaldo and obviously wishing him all the very best. But I felt he was doing very well here at the Queensland Roar. He seemed very, very happy," Moore said.

"And sometimes if you are very happy somewhere and enjoying your football, it's best just to stay put, even if it's just for another year.

"Since he's been back, he said he remembers the conversation and he's thought about it a lot since. I must say, I'm very pleased to have him back. Really, really pleased."

An impassable back four is always going to be close to Moore's heart, given his body of work in the trenches of the central defence. Even so, he feels goals, goals and more goals will win the day in the A-League.

With the addition of reputed hitman Van Dijk and Miller, who comes with the reputation of a player capable of some clever work with the ball at his feet, Moore believes the stage is set for the Roar to significantly add to their scoresheet in the coming season.

Central to that cause will be Reinaldo, who depending on the formation Frank Farina chooses to employ, will once again be the target for rifling crosses from the Queensland wings.

"You look at Melbourne a couple of years ago, Danny Allsop and Archie Thomson scored 10 or 11 goals each and that's more than enough to win the league here. I think the more attacking options you have, the more goals you can score week in week out," Moore said.

"It puts us in a really good position. A lot of the boys were really pleased to have him back. He's a good boy. He's good in the dressing room. Every defender I spoke to last year didn't enjoy playing him. He's a handful."

Not all Roar supporters have been fans of Reinaldo in his time at the club. Many feel he often missed what he should have made, despite finishing last season with nine goals - a tally second only to Newcastle's Joel Griffiths.

Moore said Reinaldo, who has signed for three years, has the confidence to handle his critics and the ability to spark the team into life.

"Every player handles it differently but strikers are confidence players normally. If you go into games without scoring goals, it can affect the very best. I think it's important, with the options we have, that those guys get on the scoresheet," Moore said.

"All of a sudden you see different players buzzing and their confidence is unbelievable. And that spreads throughout the team as well."