MELBOURNE Victory coach Jim Magilton has ruled out releasing Carlos Hernandez before the end of the season.

Magilton was critical of the Costa Rican's performance against Sydney FC last week, but Hernandez is set to retain his midfield place for tonight's clash with Gold Coast in Launceston.

Victory managing director Richard Wilson last week flagged the possibility of loaning Hernandez to Adelaide United, which is looking to boost its squad for the Asian Champions League.

But it is believed any deal hinged on Adelaide striker Dario Vidosic returning to his home town of Brisbane.

Roar's efforts to sign the Socceroo have been stonewalled since John Kosmina took over as Reds coach.

Despite Wilson's comments, Victory is unlikely to release Hernandez to a rival, although a loan to an Asian club is on the cards as he aims to keep his international career alive.

Magilton said yesterday his sole focus was on Victory making the A-League finals.

"I'm just concentrating on the end of the season, and all the players will be here until the end of the season," he said.

"Everyone has got to stand up to be counted, and we're fully focused on each game and come the end of the season, we'll take it from there."

Danny Allsopp, Matthew Kemp and Leigh Broxham come into contention for tonight's game, with Victory's Olyroos trio of Isaka Cernak, Matthew Foschini and Diogo Ferreira absent.

Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi has been named in the squad for the first time this season after recovering from his tibia stress fracture.

Velaphi replaces Lawrence Thomas on the bench, but he has a way to go before displacing Ante Covic.

Originally published as Carlos safe at Victory, for now