Perth Glory Youth are back in action on Wednesday (January 4) when they make the trip to Epping Stadium to meet Melbourne Victory.
After a difficult start to the season the youngsters won their first game before the Christmas break, with a 5-1 win against Victory, with skipper Joe Knowles bagging a brace.
Knowles has led from the front, and said the big win last time out was well deserved to kick start their season.
“It was nice to get the win and it was a well-deserved victory,” he said.
“The boys have worked extremely hard over the past month and it was a great reward for them.”
Most of the squad had a break, while some of the younger players headed to Japan for the International tournament, and Knowles said it was great to spend some time with the family.
To be given the armband by head coach John Gibson was a massive honour for the 21-year-old, and he hopes to lead by example.
“It’s a massive honour for me to be named captain of the side,” he explained.
“It’s been a goal of mine since I joined the club, to lead the boys, and I believe over the past couple of years I’ve matured and learned the right attributes to do so, and I will try to be someone the younger boys can follow and look up too.”
Knowles expects Wednesday’s opponents to be hungry, as they are still looking for their first win of the season.
“Victory away is always the hardest game of the season and with them still searching for their first win will make it even more difficult,” he said.
“The boys know that, but we will go in with the same game plan as usual and if we stick to it we will be ok.”
The striker had a glimpse of A-League and FFA Cup football this season, and he said he will be doing all he can to get another opportunity.
“Of course I want to get into the First Team squad, and I’ll be doing all I can in training, and in the remaining NYL games to get another shot,” he said.
“But at the moment my focus is on leading the Youth team, and trying to finish the season as strong as possible.”
Match Details:
Foxtel National Youth League
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory (7.30am WA time)
Wednesday January 4
Epping Stadium
