Perth Glory could be boosted by the return of key midfielder Travis Dodd for Saturday’s home clash with the in-form Melbourne Heart.
Perth Glory could be boosted by the return of key midfielder Travis Dodd for Saturday’s home clash with the in-form Melbourne Heart.
Thirty-one-year-old Dodd suffered a hamstring injury during a best-on-ground performance in his side’s 1-0 loss to Sydney FC on November 12 and made a successful return to the field in Perth’s 2-1 National Youth League victory over Central Coast on Sunday.
In a professional performance, Dodd grew in influence as the game progressed, lasting 58 minutes without any problems and playing a major role in Glory’s first goal through promising youngster Ndumba Makeche, who scored a brace in the win.
And, with the seniors suffering an unlucky 1-0 loss to Wellington last Saturday, Dodd’s return couldn’t come soon enough as Glory now prepare to face Melbourne Heart, the first side to defeat Brisbane at home since January 16 last year.
“It’s good to be back playing again, that’s for sure,” said Dodd.
“Been a good week training, full training and testing out the hammy, so yeah, to get through 60 minutes, I’m pretty confident I’ll be right for selection for our next game.”
“I’ll put my hand up and say I’m available. Whether or not the coach puts me in from the start, or if I have an impact off the bench to get back into it, that’s completely up to him.”
“I’d be happy to do either at this stage, just to get back in.”
During the Sydney game when he suffered the injury, Dodd came on as a 56th-minute substitute and produced a blinding performance, winding back the clock with a hard-running display that saw him send in numerous crosses into the box.
However, he paid a high price for that running as he injured the hamstring accelerating down the left flank just 30 minutes after entering the field.
Dodd, though, is adamant the injury won’t affect his ability to sprint through the lines when he returns to the seniors.
“I feel confident with the hammy, so it’s up to the coach now,” Dodd said.
“As part of the rehab, I did some sessions replicating the kind of running that I did when I did the hammy, so yeah it feels good and I’m confident that I’m past it now and hopefully just get on with the rest of the season.”
