Marquee man Shane Smeltz won’t play against the Newcastle Jets on New Year’s Eve in a massive b.low for Perth Glory.
Marquee man Shane Smeltz won-t play against the Newcastle Jets on New Year-s Eve in a massive blow for Perth Glory.
The star striker has unfortunately been ruled out of the clash at Ausgrid Stadium with a slight groin strain.
Smeltz initially felt the injury against the Central Coast Mariners just before Christmas and a scan on Wednesday showed he needs a week off.
Smeltz hopes to be back for the first game of 2012 against Brisbane Roar on January 4 at nib Stadium.
Perth Glory-s top goal scorer for this season is not the only notable exclusion with defender Josh Mitchell suspended for one game for the red card he received against the Mariners.
In a plus, Captain Jacob Burns returns from suspension and Todd Howarth has also recovered from a groin injury. Coach Ian Ferguson naming an 18 man squad ahead of tomorrow-s departure.
Saturday, 31 December, 2011
Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory
Ausgird Stadium
Kick-off: 1pm (Perth time)
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports.
Perth Glory squad: 1.Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 3.Bas van den BRINK, 4.Billy MEHMET, 5.Steve PANTELIDIS, 7.Jacob BURNS (c) 8.Adam HUGHES, 10.Liam MILLER, 13.Travis DODD, 14.Steven McGARRY, 15.Tommy AMPHLETT, 16.Evan BERGER, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 18. Jesse MAKAROUNAS, 19, Josh RISDON, 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 22.Adam TAGGART, 25. Trent McCLENAHAN, 30. Lewis ITALIANO (gk)
** three to be omitted**
In: 7.Jacob BURNS (c) (returns from suspension), 15.Tommy AMPHLETT (promoted), 16.Evan BERGER (returns from injury), 17.Todd HOWARTH (returns from injury),18.Jesse MAKAROUNAS (promoted)
Out: 2.Josh MITCHELL (suspended 1 game), 9.Shane SMELTZ (Groin – 1 week)
Unavailable: 2.Josh MITCHELL (suspended 1 game), 6.Chris COYNE (Achilles – 3 months), 9.Shane SMELTZ (Groin – 1 week),11.Victor SIKORA (hip – long term injury list), 12.Scott NEVILLE (knee), 20.Neil YOUNG (abdominal), 27.ANDREZINHO (Hamstring -2 weeks)
