Perth striker Branko Jelic says he’ll be fit and firing for the Glory’s high stakes trip across the Tasman to take on Wellington Phoenix this weekend.
Perth striker Branko Jelic says he-ll be fit and firing for the Glory’s high stakes trip across the Tasman to take on Wellington Phoenix this weekend.
The Serbian forward was a late withdrawal from last weekend-s hard fought 2-1 loss to Melbourne after being hit by a stomach virus a day before the game.
Jelic has led the way up front for Perth this season with four goals, including a brace against the Vics earlier in the campaign. With Perth coming off two away losses the goal predator was aware just how crucial a win would be against Melbourne but he made the painful call not to play in the best interests of the team.
“It was unbelievable, unbelievably (bad),” said Jelic when asked how he felt telling Coach Dave Mitchell he couldn’t play.
“It was two or three hours I think, ‘call or no call, call or no call’. But I’m experienced enough, so I have to think what is best for the team and do what is best for the team.
“The night before the game, I felt very bad and I didn’t sleep. In the morning, the physio came to my home and gave me some tablets and after two hours I feel better and maybe I think, ‘aha okay I can play’.
“But again about 12 noon, I felt bad and again throw up. I was afraid that maybe I will bring the virus into the dressing room, so I think it’s better to stay home.
“I’m 99 per cent sure I will play this week because now I feel well. I think the virus has passed and I’ll have had enough time for training. The coach will decide what I do,” he said.
Jelic’s inclusion would be a timely boost for a Glory side determined to get back on a winning run after three narrow losses and will give the West Australians added firepower against Wellington team that has shown terrific form at home this season.
