A week in the stands for veteran goalkeeper Liam Reddy has resulted in extra training for the 35-year old, but he’s stopped short of describing it as punishment from coach Danny Milosevic.
Reddy was sent off in the away game against Central Coast Mariners, which prompted the introduction of understudy Nick Feely in the team’s 3-2 win over Newcastle on Saturday night.
Feely performed admirably making a string of important saves which has meant Reddy has had to put in a few extra shifts on the training track this week.
”I’ve got to train a little bit harder this week,” said the experienced custodian.
”Milo (Danny Milosevic) threw in a couple of extra sessions but I look at the positives and it’s a good refresher up for the back-end of the season.”
“But it’s also good to see Nic come in and do a job so if it happens again, touch wood it doesn’t, but he’s there to fill the void and also Jordan (Thurtell) was unfortunate to miss out and he’s pushing Nic and myself.”
Despite the red-hot form that Reddy has been in this season, the custodian stills expects the team to lift and improve across the board.
Despite the red-hot form that Reddy has been in this season, the custodian stills expects the team to lift and improve across the board.
“I think too many goals have been conceded to be honest” he said.
“I think if we are any real chance of coming in the top 3 or 4 and win the Grand Final we need to keep clean sheets. I think we’ve only got one to date.”
”That’s something we’ve really got to work on in this back end and work on our defensive structure and doing the right things defensively first.”
“But we’ve got to do that on the training park and take that into the weekend.”
Regardless of who starts in between the sticks on Friday night against Adelaide United, Reddy says the team can’t underestimate Adelaide who sit last on the Hyundia A-League table.
“You don’t read too much into it. They’re obviously struggling but you know on their day they can produce a good performance and we know we gotta be at our best to beat Adelaide on Friday.”
The match kicks-off at 4.50pm WST and will be shown on FOX Sports.
