Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards has revealed that Daniel De Silva will create history and become the youngest player ever to represent the club in Saturday’s crunch clash with Sydney FC at nib Stadium.
Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards has revealed that Daniel De Silva will create history and become the youngest player ever to represent the club in Saturday’s crunch clash with Sydney FC at nib Stadium.
Still only 15 years-old, the attacking-midfielder only signed a professional contract with Perth Glory last week, but having worked extensively with him at national team level, Edwards is confident that the former Kingsway Olympic junior is ready for Hyundai A-League action.
“I’ve been coaching Danny for the last couple of years with the Joeys,” he said, “and he’s an exciting talent coming through.
“He knows that he’s in an environment now with good experienced players and it’s a wonderful opportunity not only for him, but also for the club and it just sends a clear message to people within the state that if you are good enough and talented enough, you are going to be given an opportunity.
“Danny will be involved in the game, he’ll start on the bench tomorrow and I wouldn’t have put him in if I didn’t think he could handle the occasion.
“He comes from a wonderful family and as I said, I’ve known him for two years and the philosophy that we’re employing now as a football club, he’s already been involved with for those two years with the Joeys.
“As far as I’m concerned, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough and if Danny continues to work hard and continues to listen to and learn from the great players that we’ve got at this club, he can go a long way in the game.”
De Silva himself, meanwhile, cut an impressively assured figure when addressing a huge media pack after Perth Glory’s training session on Friday and is understandably thrilled at the prospect of making his senior debut.
“I feel really good,” he said, “and I’m buzzing for the game tomorrow.
“I’ll definitely give it my best shot, that’s all I can do and hopefully I can help the team out.
“They (Sydney FC) have quality players and it’s going to be amazing to play against a World Cup winner in Del Piero and the captain of the Socceroos, Lucas Neill.
“Sometimes when I think about it, I can’t quite believe it all.
“Perth Glory have given me an amazing opportunity and I definitely think it’s going to help me in my football career.”
And the feel good factor around the club was further reinforced by Edwards’ comments regarding key duo Michael Thwaite and Jacob Burns.
“Michael has been chased by a lot of Asian clubs over the last few weeks,” he said, “and he decided yesterday to say no to some very big-money offers to be a part of Glory moving forward.
“It’s brilliant for Michael to say that he’s committed to the club in the long-term.
“It’s also been great to see Jacob back out on the training ground this week.
“He’s been involved in the last few sessions and he straightaway adds that bit of steely quality to the team which will be really important for us as we move forward.
“I’d like him to start tomorrow, but our fantastic physio department are working wonders and I think if he gets a good week of training in next week without any issues, hopefully he’ll be involved next weekend.”
A massive crowd is forecast for tomorrow night-s big game. To purchase tickets CLICK HERECLICK HERE
PERTH GLORY v SYDNEY FC
Saturday, 2 March
Kick-off: 7pm
nib Stadium
