Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns is in doubt for Friday’s block buster against Wellington Phoenix at ME Bank Stadium.
Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns is in doubt for Friday-s block buster against Wellington Phoenix at ME Bank Stadium.
Burns has pulled up sore after his heroic two goal effort against Adelaide on Tuesday and Coach Dave Mitchell is not sure if his skipper will be ready.
“I don-t know. The team won-t be picked until one hour before the game,” Mitchell said.
And it-s not only Burns who faces a last minute fitness test with Mitchell saying as many as 10 players are struggling to be fit for their third game in six days.
“There are a lot of players that are hurting with the punishing schedule but they are focused and if they play they will be ok.”
With four games left before the finals, the clash is crucial for both sides. Perth are sixth on 30 points while the Phoenix are fifth on 31 points.
A win for either side and finals football will be within touching distance.
“I think the players realise what the situation is. We-ve got a fantastic opportunity, we-re playing at home, we-re strong at home but Wellington are a good side.
“I always said if Wellington makes the World Cup they-d get on a run and that-s exactly what-s happened.”
Adding to the intrigue of this match is the return of former Glory striker Eugene Dadi.
The veteran was released early in January and since the Dadi has scored three goals for his new club.
“Look at Carlos Tevez, he scored for Manchester City the other day against Manchester United.
“It happens all the time and we wish Eugene all the best.”
The match will also see both teams wear specially designed Come Play! shirts in support of Australia-s FIFA World Cup bid in 2018 and 2022.
“I think the FFA have put in a great effort with the bid. All Hyundai A-League players are right behind it and we are urging all Australians to get behind the bid as well.
“I think the whole world has noticed Australia-s bid and I believe we have a great chance to bring the World Cup, the greatest sporting event to our country.
“What an honour it would be to have the World Cup in Australia,” Mile Sterjovski said.
Glory fans can show their support by coming along to the Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix game this Friday 22 January (kick off 7pm) and joining the bid at:
www.australia2018-2022.com.au
Ends
Perth Glory Squad – Hyundai A-League 2009/10: Rd 24
Friday 22 January 2010
Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix
ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Local Kick-Off: 7:00pm (10.00pm AEDT)
Referee:Ryan Shepheard
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, 1 HD and Sky Sport 3.
Perth Glory Radio Broadcast Partner: 6PR – 882am www.6pr.com.au – click here to listen.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com
Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 2.Danny McBreen, 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Chris COYNE, 7. Jacob BURNS (c), 11. Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 13.Scott BULLOCH, 14. Steven McGARRY, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija
JUKIC
*two to be omitted*
In:Jamie HARNWELL (returns from injury) Naum SEKULOVSKI (returns from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Wayne SRHOJ (Knee – 1 week), Viktor SIKORA (Thigh – 1 week)
Wellington Phoenix squad: 2. Manny MUSCAT, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Adrian CACERES, 15. Eugene DADI, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES, 40. Liam REDDY (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In:Chris GREENACRE (return from injury), Marco ROJAS (promoted), DANIEL (promoted) DIEGO (promoted)
Out: Tony LOCHHEAD (groin – 2 weeks)
Unavailable: Mark PASTON (gk) (leg – season)
Head-to-Head: Played 8: Perth Glory wins 2, Wellington Phoenix wins 4 (2 draws)
