MELBOURNE Victory coach Kevin Muscat has not ruled out signing a guest marquee player after negotiations to sign Michael Essien broke down.

Muscat has a fully fit squad to chose from for Tuesday night’s FFA Cup quarter-final clash with Bentleigh Greens at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, with Marco Rojas set to start his first official game since returning.

Essien, a former Chelsea star, had all but agreed terms with Victory and was due to come to Melbourne for a medical before a late change of heart.

It came a month after FFA blocked Victory’s request to sign former Italy international Alessandro Diamanti, who now captains Serie A side Palermo.

Kevin Muscat has not ruled out the chance of Victory landing a marquee player Source: AFP

Muscat was happy with his squad and while not desperate to sign guest marquee, he remained open-minded to the idea.

“Personally it’s disappointing it didn’t come to fruition. But as a club we did everything in our powers (to sign him),’’ Muscat said.

“The situation arose and we explored it. It’s well past us and now we’ll move on.

“It’s not something I’m consciously trying to do, but if an opportunity arises, like the previous one and two or three before that, we’ll treat every situation in isolation.

“It would’ve been a bonus. We’re very pleased with the squad we’ve assembled.

“We’re hopeful that that’s going to be enough for us to challenge and win trophies this season. ‘’

Muscat said competition for spots was hot less than a fortnight from A-League kick-off, adding there would be no risk of complacency come kick-off at Bentleigh.

“It is (getting serious) and the evidence of that has been training because it’s been intense in the last few days,’’ he said.

“The players have put in almost 12 weeks of work and they sense that the games are going to start and everyone wants to be included, so the intensity and the tension have increased dramatically.

“We go up against a team that’s well organised and well coached and our attitude’s got to be right.’’