SYDNEY United coach Mark Rudan has promised a passionate welcome for Sydney FC, after United’s Edensor Park ground was finally confirmed as the host for the cross-city derby in the FFA Cup’s round of 16.

Testing of the floodlights at the 12,000-capacity stadium confirmed its suitability, and the game will be televised on Fox Sports on September 23.

With the tie having added piquancy for Rudan as a former Sydney FC captain, he confirmed the importance of home-ground advanatage to make the FFA Cup concept work.

media_camera Ali Abbas and his Sydney teammates will be in for a tough time.

Hoping to see the ground close to capacity, Rudan called on Wanderers supporters to take the opportunity of backing the region against the Sky Blues as part of an “electrifying” atmosphere.

Rudan insisted the right to host the game had never been in doubt, with the lights upgraded since the ground had last been certified, but he said the clarity was welcome for players and supporters.

“It’s important because part of the reason to have an FFA Cup is so that the smaller clubs can play at home, and gain some sort of advantage.,” Rudan said.

“Against a team like Sydney FC, it gives us a better opportunity to bridge the gap.

“It’s still in their favour, but we’ve got a pretty special place and lots of A-League teams would like to own their own ground. It’s a unique opportunity, and very important for us as a club.

“I’d love to have 10,000 people there, numbers we haven’t seen for a long time, and the louder the better. I’ve played and watched games with 10,000 people there, and it’s electrifying. I know we sold our corporate boxes within days of the draw, which is a good sign.”

On the back of Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold’s description of his club as the “biggest and best” in Australia, Rudan promised a “vocal” test of their credentials.

“No team will enjoy coming to our ground, certainly none in the Premier League do,” he said.

“Arnie says Sydney FC are the biggest and best in the country and that’s excellent - it just adds to the excitement

“It’ll be one hell of a place for them to visit with a vocal crowd, and I’m really hoping some of the Wanderers fans come out too. We’re very much part of the region, we represent it, and I can’t think of anything better for them than to support a club from their area facing their arch rivals.”

Meanwhile the players’ union has launched an appeal against the arbitration finding that has forced Michael McGlinchey to stay with the Mariners.

McGlinchey was told his belief that his Mariners contract was invalid was wrong, leaving the player in limbo having effectively signed with both the Mariners and Wellington Phoenix.

Though the full arbitration has still to be released, the PFA have lodged an appeal.