Perth Glory Head Coach Alistair Edwards is expecting the WA State team to provide a stern challenge for his side in Wednesday’s eagerly-anticipated Call to Arms Cup clash.
Inglewood’s Intiga Stadium will host the annual meeting between the men in purple and the cream of the All Flags State League, with the game being used to promote the Cancer Council’s Call to Arms cancer awareness campaign.
Perth Glory Head Coach Alistair Edwards is expecting the WA State team to provide a stern challenge for his side in Wednesday’s eagerly-anticipated Call to Arms Cup clash.
Inglewood’s Intiga Stadium will host the annual meeting between the men in purple and the cream of the All Flags State League, with the game being used to promote the Cancer Council’s Call to Arms cancer awareness campaign.
“These State team games have been highly competitive over the years,” said Edwards.
“There are some really good players in the State League and they’ll definitely be up for the game.
“Gareth (Naven), myself and Scott (Miller) are always at State League games so we are aware of how high the standard is and this game will therefore provide ideal preparation for our A-League campaign.
“Apart from our early games against Kwinana and Gosnells, this is the first pre-season game we’ve had in Perth, so hopefully our supporters will come out in force.
“We’re really looking forward to playing in front of them and hopefully raising awareness for such a worthwhile cause.”
In terms of early team news, Edwards confirmed that he intends to get some game time into his entire squad and will be handing a debut to new recruit, Ljubo Milicevic.
The vastly-experienced central defender completed the first training session of his second spell at the club on Monday and impressed his former Glory team-mate with both his touch and level of fitness.
“Ljubo will feature on Wednesday,” said Edwards.
“He trained well today and had a massive smile on his face.
“He played nine games for Melbourne Knights before joining us, so he’s fit and has been working hard for this opportunity.
“He’s an exceptionally gifted player who has the utmost respect from all the guys in the squad, but he knows it’s a very strong squad with really stiff competition for places.
“In terms of the rest of the squad, we are still getting our players to build up their capacity, so everyone will get an opportunity to play.
“With our squad size, we’ll probably look to make sure that everyone gets a half under their belts in what will be a very competitive game.”
Former Glory assistant coach Kenny Lowe, meanwhile, will take charge of the State team and he is confident that despite limited preparation time, his side have enough quality to test their A-League opponents.
“We’ve just tried to work on a little bit of structure,” he said, “but the main thing for our players really is just to go and try and enjoy the day and show themselves in a good light.
“I don’t want them to get too uptight, I just want them to relax and enjoy the occasion.
“We have good depth in the State League and when you’re in a non-league environment and have the chance to play a league team, it’s an opportunity to show people that you have the qualities to play at that level yourself.
“Every game is an opportunity to show people how good you are and this is no different.
“On a personal note, my mum went through cancer so it’s something that’s very close to my heart and it’s a great cause.”
2013 Call To Arms Cup
WA State team v Perth Glory
Wednesday, August 21
Intiga Stadium, Inglewood
Kick-off: 7pm
Admission
Adults: $10
Kids/Concession: $5
Gareth Morgan
