Perth Glory Captain Rostyn Griffiths has laid down the law on his team-mates after the side’s disappointing loss to Central Coast at the weekend.
The towering midfielder was explicit in his message insisting there is no room in the side for passengers.
“A few too many players were not at the races on the day,” said the skipper.
“When you’ve got a few boys not up to it on the day, it doesn’t matter who you play in the A-League. It’s too tight to be able to carry people.”
The midfield dynamo missed the last two games through suspension but will be back in contention for a return to the starting line-up.
Griffiths admit’s it’s been hard to sit on the sidelines.
“It’s been the worst thing ever especially when I sat and watched them beat Melbourne Victory. I was happy that we won but not being able to have any influence or anything like that over the boys was pretty tough.”
“Losing last week as well was difficult but back in this week so hopefully the coach picks me.”
While Griffiths returns to the fold, Glory will be without their number one custodian Liam Reddy after he picked up a red card last week.
Despite the loss of Reddy, Griffiths is adamant the side can rely on their goalkeeping depth.
“Rocket’s had a great season but like anyone, it’s a good chance for somebody else to step up and fill his place.”
“He’s a big lad (Nic Feely), Perth boy as well and has been over at Celtic, assuming that he’s gets picked. It could be Jordan Thurtell who is another young goalkeeper, who’s come out of the AIS system.”
“So it’s between them two to fight it out this week.”
Perth can earn a bit of breathing space if they can defeat opponents Newcastle Jets on Saturday night at home, something the Glory general hopes to achieve.
“The A-League is a strange league. You can lose one week and then the next week, you can win and can be back in amongst it. It’s the same this week.”
“It’s another chance for us to push away from the people who are behind and we want to be in the Top Four. I think that’s where everyone’s aiming for and a win on the weekend put’s us right amongst it.”
Perth Glory face Newcastle Jets on Saturday night at 7PM following the Perth Glory Women’s Semi Final against Sydney FC at 3.30PM.
Both games will be held at nib Stadium.
You can grab tickets HERE
