Perth Glory midfielder Callum Timmins said the squad has been working overtime to get ready for the big game at Floreat Athena on Saturday, in Week 15 of the PS4 National Premier League WA at E&D Litis Stadium (3.00pm)
The 17-year-old said last week’s fighting spirit in the draw against Armadale has given the squad a huge lift going into the Floreat game. “I feel like the whole team really stepped up to the challenge last weekend against a physical Armadale side,” he explained.
“I thought we created the chances and were just really unlucky that we just couldn’t find the back of the net, but we are playing some good football and believe a big score is just around the corner.”
Timmins started playing football from a very early age, and played for English Championship side Birmingham City’s Academy side, but headed down under when his parents decided to immigrate to Australia, and he jumped at the chance to join the Glory.
“When I arrived in WA, Callum Salmon welcomed me down to train with the WA state team where he offered me a spot and from then on I have come through the ages at the Glory and I’m really enjoying it,” he explained.
“It was frustrating at first as I couldn’t play waiting for my international clearance to come through, but once it was approved I hit the track and worked really hard on my game and I’m really benefitting from it now.”
Timmins said Floreat are a good side and will want to bounce back after back-to-back defeats in the league, but he said they will go with a game plan and are looking forward to the challenge.
“We defiantly have a lot more confidence going into Saturday’s game, and the young side are gelling well together,” he said.
“But although they (Floreat) are coming off two defeats they are still a very experienced team with a lot of top class players, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Head Coach John Gibson has been delighted the way his players have responded this season and he is looking forward to massive clash with Floreat.
“All week the group has trained strongly in preparation for this Saturday’s game against Floreat,” he said.
“Floreat are always strong and tough – it will be super competitive and something we look forward to.
“Like always it’s all about us, and the young group have adapted pretty well to senior football, and we have been really pleased with the consistent improvement.
“But we demand more from ourselves always – and they are ready for another tough game.”
The Glory are now seeing the worth of the clubs junior development program, with a number of players under 18 playing regularly in the first team, and Gibson and his team have worked extremely hard to bring these players on.
“It’s pleasing and gives us a great deal of satisfaction to see all the players not only play but match all teams in the NPL,” he explained.
“We are really happy with the development of our players and how they are progressing through the elite pathway – this is due to the super effort and hard work of our players and all staff – however, we have plenty of work ahead of us – we need to be better everywhere.”
Match Details
Saturday, June 3rd
Floreat Athena v Perth Glory
Venue – E&D Litis Stadium
First Team – 3.00pm
Under 20’s – 1.00pm
Under 18’s – 11.00am
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