Perth Glory FC coach Kenny Lowe has vowed not to turn his back on promising WA youngster Jamal Reiners despite Irish striker Andy Keogh being cleared for Saturday night’s clash against Adelaide United at nib Stadium.
The international transfer clearance for Keogh came through on Thursday night to allow the popular goal scorer to be made available for selection.
Lowe however has a headache as to whether he starts with Keogh or sticks with 17-year old Reiners who has slotted into the striker’s role with ease.
Reiners made his debut against Brisbane in ROUND 6 and played a critical role in the team’s win over Melbourne Victory last month.
The teenager created the goal for Diego Castro to slot home and secure the three points in the December clash.
Lowe said he wasn’t about to turn his back on the youngster following Keogh’s return to the squad.
“Do we just throw that away? He needs a little bit of respect. He’s done ever so well the young boy, so we’ll see what happens on the day”
Lowe however acknowledged Keogh’s presence had raised the confidence of the playing group and was a welcome addition to the squad.
“Players love to play with good players and he’s a good player. I think he’s in a good space himself , he’s back home with his family and I think after speaking to him Perth’s become a bit of a spiritual home for him, I think he’s really comfortable.
Keogh scored 17 goals in all competitions last season and while Lowe admitted the Irishman lacked match time he was quick to stress the 29-year old was in top physical condition.
“He’s fit as a butcher’s dog, he’s lively, he’s keen he’s looking forward to it. He’s just the same Andy Keogh that he was when he came (last season) with a great work ethic.”
“He’s in great shape, but game wise he’s probably a bit underdone on match practise but otherwise yeah we’re looking forward to it.
Kick-off to tomorrow’s match is at 6.40pm.
Children under 16 will be eligible for a free general admission ticket with the purchase of every adult ticket.
Tickets can be purchased HERE
Saturday, 9 January 2016
Perth Glory v Adelaide United
nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-Off: 6:40 PM (Local) (9:40 PM (AEDT)
Referee: Strebre Delovski
Assistant Referee 1: Josh Mannella
Assistant Referee 2: Matthew Southern
Fourth Official: David Bruce
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 9.30pm (AEDT) and Sky Sport 3 (New Zealand)
Radio Broadcast: 720 ABC Perth, 891 ABC Adelaide, ABC Local Radio WA, ABC Local Radio SA, Grandstand Digital, online & via the ABC Radio Mobile App – A-league Live
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #PERvADL
To purchase tickets visit www.a-league.com.au/tickets
Perth Glory squad: 1.Ante COVIC (gk), 2.Alex GRANT, 5.Antony GOLEC, 7.Gyorgy SANDOR, 9.Andy KEOGH, 11.Richard GARCIA (c), 12.Jerrad TYSON (gk), 13.Diogo FERREIRA, 14.Chris HAROLD, 15.Hagi GLIGOR, 17.Diego CASTRO, 18.Mitch OXBORROW, 19.Josh RISDON, 23.Michael THWAITE, 24.Jamal REINERS, 25.Jacob COLLARD, 28.Joe KNOWLES, 29.Aryn WILLIAMS
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 9.Andy KEOGH, 13.Diogo FERREIRA (returns from injury), 25.Jacob COLLARD (promoted)
Outs: 3.Marc WARREN (suspended)
Unavailable: 6.Dino DJULBIC (ankle – 6-8 weeks), 8.Ruben ZADKOVICH (knee – indefinite), 10.Nebojsa MARINKOVIC (hamstring – 1 week), 16.Sidnei SCIOLA (quad – 2 weeks)
Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk) (c), 2.Michael MARRONE, 3.Iacopo LA ROCCA, 4.Dylan McGOWAN, 7.PABLO SANCHEZ, 8.ISAIAS, 9.Sergio CIRIO, 10.Marcelo CARRUSCA, 11.Bruce DJITE, 14.George MELLS, 16.Craig GOODWIN, 17.Mate DUGANDZIC, 18.Jimmy JEGGO, 19.Eli BABALJ, 20.John HALL (gk), 21.Tarek ELRICH, 23.Jordan ELSEY, 25.Ruon TONGYIK
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 19.Eli BABALJ (returns from injury), 25.Ruon TONGYIK (promoted from NYL)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 5.Osama MALIK (quadricep – 1 week), 24.Bruce KAMAU (hamstring – 2 weeks)
