After setting a new national league record for the most number of consecutive goals scored, Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh is confident the team has got what it takes to make a genuine tilt for the Hyundai A-League championship.
While he acknowledged the team’s effort in 4-0 loss against Sydney FC at the weekend was well below par, the 29-year old Irishman is confident the Western Australians have the ingredients to bounce back.
“It gives me more satisfaction we were near the bottom if the table in January and now we’ve been the second best team in form going into the finals and we’ve got every chance.
“We won’t let anything go to waste we got ourselves in a position (to play finals) we’re not just going to throw that away. We look forward to Sunday and wait and see what happens”.
While Glory beat City at home in Round 26 with some ease, Keogh said that game was now ancient history.
“We played really well that night but it’s a new game and we have to go about our business the same way”.
City will be without Frenchman Harry Novillo, who has been suspended for being involved in last week’s off-field melee against Adelaide United. Keogh said his omission wasn’t a benefit.
“Melbourne City is not just a great team they’ve got a great squad. You’d expect a team like Melbourne City would have a decent replacement for him.”
And while there’s been some doubt over Glory’s star import Diego Castro playing this weekend, Keogh allayed fans’ fears.
“He’s fine he’s firing shots over there if anything he was just getting rested.
“Very important he’s the guy that links the midfield to me and creates so many chances and obviously his quality on the ball and is rightly so getting all the accolades he deserves
Castro has scooped the accolades this year, twice named the Player of the Month and taking out the Fox Sports Alex Tobin medal.
“Diego has definitely been one of the best players in the league. Fornaroli has been excellent, so has Mooy.
“We link up well we understand each other, I think the way he comes to get the ball and my movement, it compliments each other and it’s difficult for some teams to defend.
Glory kicks-off its finals campaign at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Sunday at 3pm Perth time.
