Perth’s National Youth League match on Sunday will have a distinctly Hyundai A-League feel with five senior listed Glory players set to mix it alongside the club’s talented youngsters at Clipsal Stadium.
Perth-s National Youth League match on Sunday will have a distinctly Hyundai A-League feel with five senior listed Glory players set to mix it alongside the club-s talented youngsters at Clipsal Stadium.
With the Hyundai A-League observing a FIFA break this weekend, the youth game provides an ideal vehicle for selected senior players to secure additional match practice.
Striker Eugene Dadi will suit up as will midfield trio Scott Bulloch, Andrija Jukic and Howard Fondyke while goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski will patrol between the posts.
The addition of the senior players has come at an opportune time with Perth-s Youth Team down on numbers, half a dozen unavailable for the match against Melbourne Victory Youth.
Melbourne will also have several Hyundai A-League players in their squad including Evan Berger, Robbie Kruse, Mitch Langerak and former Glory boy Nick Ward.
One player who will be eager to mix it alongside the senior inclusions is up and coming star Ryan Person. The creative utility player, who made the trip to Wellington last weekend with Perth-s Hyundai A-League squad, said the experience has increased his desire to become a regular at the top level.
“I was stoked to be called up to the first team,” Pearson said.
“Travelling to New Zealand with the team was great. Obviously I would have liked to have been in the final squad but nothing but positives came from the experience.
“It has definitely given me added confidence and shows that Dave Mitchell (Perth Glory Senior Coach) is keeping an eye on me and the youth team.
“I really hope I can get another chance soon,” said Pearson.
Perth and Melbourne met in the National Youth League just a fortnight ago and Person said the Glory will be looking to take all three points after their previous encounter ended in a share of the spoils.
“Melbourne is a tough side. We played them just recently and it was nil all result but I think we created enough chances and if we go about it that way again we-ll hit the back of the net a few times,” said Pearson.
The match at Clipsal Stadium (corner of Eighth Ave and Hamer Parade Inglewood) kicks off at 3.00pm and entry is free.
National Youth League 2009: Rd10
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, 15 November 2009 at Clipsal Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 3.00pm AWST
Referee: Steven Gregory
Perth Glory Squad: Scott BULLOCH (OA), Million BUTSHIIRE, Eugene DADI (OA), Cameron EDWARDS, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Steve HESKETH, Andrija JUKIC (OA), Sam MITCHINSON, Alex PEARSON (gk), Ryan PEARSON, Joshua RISDON, Adam TAGGART, Glen TRIFIRO, Aleks VRTESKI (gk)
Unavailable: Ludovic BOI (hamstring – 2 weeks), Hayden DOYLE (knee – indefinite), Nick FEELY (study commitments), Mario MARCINKO (indefinite), David PRICE (knee – 3 weeks), Reece VITTIGLIA (broken arm – 6 weeks)
Melbourne Victory Squad: Nathan ELASI, Evan BERGER, Mathew THEODORE, Matthew FOSCHINI, Nicholas WARD, Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), Robbie KRUSE, Sebastian MATTEI (gk), Aziz BEHICH (c), Diogo FERREIRA, Tony LA VERDE, Bradley NORTON, Stephen HATZIKOSTAS, Craig SWEENEY, Tedros YABIO
Unavailable: Luke PILKINGTON (injured – 1 week)
