SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian A-League newcomers North Queensland Fury are likely to disappoint Singaporean fans by leaving out star signing Robbie Fowler for this weekend's friendly, the club's coach said Thursday.

Former England striker Fowler arrives in Singapore on Thursday for Sunday's hit-out with Tampines Rovers but Fury coach Ian Ferguson said he is reluctant to risk his prestige recruit.

Ferguson said the 34-year-old former Liverpool star, who has been training in England this month, had a groin strain and would be assessed by the club doctor on Friday.

Ferguson said he didn't want anything to jeopardise Fowler's availability for the club's A-League kick-off against Sydney FC in Townsville on August 8.

"We definitely won't take any chances," Ferguson said. "The priority for the Fury is to make sure he's ready for the start of the season.

"I'm more interested further down the line than what we do in this one."

Ferguson's sentiments will come as a major disappointment to Singapore football fans with a large crowd expected at Jalan Besar Stadium to watch the Liverpool great make his Fury debut.

Tampines, five-time national league champions, are currently running fourth this season with just one loss from 13 games.