Some of Glory’s finest young talent have arrived in Malaysia to open their Frenz International Cup campaign at the Prasir Gudang Stadium tonight.
The annual U-18 tournament, which is aimed at developing football within the region, is an opportunity 13-year-old Riley Warland has grabbed with both hands.
“It’s just an amazing opportunity for me,” said the youngest player in the squad.
“I’m so overwhelmed, it’s just amazing”.
Warland, who has been deployed as a defender since joining Glory, will be looking forward to facing the likes of Korean giants Suwon Blue Wings and Argentine heavyweights Estudiantes in the group stages.
The 2002-born youngster will be one of many looking up to their PS4 NPLWA teammates for guidance, including first team defender Ross Millard, who has provided some words of advice.
“My role is just talking to them and making them feel more comfortable,” Millard remarked.
“They should come in an do what they normally do, nothing should really change.”
Millard believes coming up against such quality clubs in the international tournament will be a great test for the Glory youngsters.
“When I first looked at the teams going and found out they were in our group, it was exciting,” the former West Ham academy player said.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity for me to face some of the players from their academies to see where I’m at with my development”.
The touring Perth Glory side has been preparing for the tournament for severeal weeks and Millard has praisied the “different qualities” the squad holds.
They’ll look to tackle Estudiantes, who have produced the likes of Juan Sebastian Veron and current Manchester United star Marcos Rojo.
“The South American teams are always very well organised tactially,” said Millard.
“You always know they’re going to show up technically every game, so it’ll be a great test…and I think all the boys are really looking forward to that.”
Warland and Millard will be looking to kick-off the tournament on a positive note tonight (8.30pm WST) against host side Frenz United FC in Johor.
For more details on the tournament click HERE
