Kenny Lowe has dismissed suggestions that last weekend’s pulsating 3-3 draw with the Central Coast mariners was a ‘wake-up call’ for his side.
The head coach said there were many positive aspects to Perth Glory’s performance.
“I don’t class it as a wake-up call do you?” Lowe fired back at reporters on Friday.
“I mean the first 45 minutes is some of the best football I’ve ever seen at nib so as far as I’m concerned, I look at the positives. I’m a glass half full and not a glass half empty man.”
“At the end of the day – it was magnificent entertainment. At 3-3, I’m not happy about it but I tell you, people watching the game would have enjoyed the game you know and I think that’s the A-League. You know there’s a spectacle there and we provided a spectacle on the day.”
Star striker Adam Taggart returned to the limelight with his two first half goals but may have to wait before he can add to his 2016/17 tally this weekend after being rested on Friday.
“He pulled up a little bit under so like I said at the time, after the game we have a moral obligation to Tags. I’m glad he did the 60 and not the 90 otherwise we might be looking at something different” Lowe said.
“It’s just a precaution thing. It’s no injury. It’s just minor. Bit of soreness so we will just take care of him and we might, dependant on how he pulls up tomorrow, look at him for the weekend.”
Meantime, ahead of the Wellington match at the weekend, Lowe admits he faces another selection headache and will be aiming to get the most out of his squad.
“It’s about getting the best team on the park every week and that means the best team, the fittest players and the people that can do a job. No matter who it is, we’ve got a squad and we’ve got a good squad and that’s what we are going to do.”
Wellington was on the end of a 1-0 defeat to a strong Melbourne City outfit last Saturday but Lowe is aware of the quality that they possess on their roster.
“They’re a good team. They played one of the best teams last week and could have got something out of that so they’re gonna be no pushovers. They will be well-organised and well coached by Ernie (Merrick). Obviously they have a few guys coming back from the All-Whites game (against the USA).”
“It’s a long flight and other things like that – does that affect them? I don’t know but I guess we’ll find out after the game.”
“Every A-League game is a tough game but we’re looking forward to it and we’ll embrace the challenge and hopefully get a win.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available HERE
The game kicks off at nib Stadium at 4pm.
Squads
Perth Glory:
2. Alex GRANT, 3. Marc WARREN, 5.Rhys WILLIAMS, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Andy KEOGH, 10. Nebojsa MARINKOVIC, 13. Nicholas FEELY (GK), 14. Chris HAROLD, 15. Brandon WILSON, 16. Joe MILLS, 17. Diego CASTRO, 18. Mitch OXBORROW, 19. Josh RISDON, 22. Adam TAGGART, 24. Milan SMILJANIC, 28. Joe KNOWLES 33. Liam REDDY (GK)
**Two to be omitted**
INS: 16. Joe MILLS, 18. Mitch OXBORROW,
OUTS: None
UNAVAILABLE: 4. Shane LOWRY (hip)
Wellington Phoenix:
1.Glen MOSS (GK), 2.Jacob TRATT, 4.Roly BONEVACIA, 5.Ryan LOWRY, 7.Gui FINKLER, 8.Alex RODRIGUEZ, 9.Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10.Michael MCGLINCHEY, 11.Hamish WATSON, 12.Adam PARKHOUSE, 13.Marco ROSSI, 14.Alex RUFER, 17.Vince LIA, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (GK), 21 Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (c), 23.Matthew RIDENTON
**two to be omitted**
INS: 9.Kosta BARBAROUSES (returns from international duty), 10.Michael McGLINCHEY (returns from international duty), 19.Tom DOYLE (returns from injury), 22.Andrew DURANTE (returns from international duty), 23.Matthew RIDENTON (returns from international duty)
OUTS: 6.Dylan FOX (omitted), 24.Logan ROGERSON (omitted), 26.Jack-Henry SINCLAIR (omitted)
UNAVAILABLE: Nil
