Diogo Ferreira has only one goal on his mind when he faces his old club Brisbane Roar this weekend; three valuable points.
The 26-year old defensive midfielder will come up against the Queenslanders when Perth travel to Suncorp Stadium this weekend in RD 6 action of the Hyundai A-League.
The Victorian was hampered by injury last season but now in his second year at Glory he’s looking forward to cementing his spot.
“We’ve had a bad run of injuries at the moment but that’s when the squad has to step up and seize the moment. It’s a long season and we are aiming to make the finals so I’ll be doing my best to earn my spot”.
The former Olyroo has slotted into the defensive midfield position in the absence of Hungarian international Gyorgy Sandor who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. The loss of Sandor has left big shoes for Ferreira to fill, but he has welcomed the challenge.
“Juri (Gyorgy) is a great player and yes I do have big shoes to fill, but I’ve been part of a winning culture at Brisbane and it’s what I think I like to bring to the table” he said.
“I had a great time at the Roar and made some lifelong friends. The success we had there is what drives me. I was really disappointed that we didn’t get to feel that on Saturday night with the FFA Cup but I know I will be putting in my all at the Glory this year to get the success we deserve”.
The club will miss out on facing former Glory man Jamie Maclaren, away on Olyroos duty. The 22 year old striker scored nine goals for Perth last year before he moved to Brisbane under new coach John Aloisi.
“We will be playing for the win and hopefully that will set us up in good stead from there on” said WA defender Alex Grant.
Grant has returned to Perth after plying his trade in the UK for the past two years.
The 21-year old came on as a substitute in the FFA Cup final at the weekend and his A-League time has been limited.
But he’s focused on getting more game time this season.
“That’s why I‘ve come back home. I want to contribute and be part of a successful team in my own home town“ Grant said.
“While we didn’t win the Cup Final not too many teams can say they’ve made the Cup final twice in a row. We take the positives from that and we move on and focus ahead against Brisbane. The pressure will be on them, so we will play to our strengths and try to come away with the win” he said.
Glory travels to Brisbane on Saturday before playing Roar on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 2pm (WST)
Perth will host its next match at nib Stadium on 21 November against Sydney FC.
Tickets to the match can be purchased HERE
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