EXPERIENCED Central Coast attacker Mile Sterjovski says the Mariners are ready for their Round 2 Hyundai A-League clash with his former side Perth Glory on Sunday.
EXPERIENCED Central Coast attacker Mile Sterjovski says the Mariners are ready for their Round 2 Hyundai A-League clash with his former side Perth Glory on Sunday.
Tomorrow will be the first time Sterjovski has played against Perth since he returned to Australia-s top flight following a spell in the Chinese Super League with Dalian Aerbin.
“We-re ready for the game,” Sterjovski said. “It-s always good to play against your old teammates. I-m really looking forward to it.”
The former Qantas Socceroo was impressed with Perth Glory-s display in their Grand Final rematch with Brisbane Roar last weekend and expects a tough contest against the purple-whites.
“I think they did really well. They were really up for it and wanted to beat the Roar after losing in the Grand Final. They played a good game and played to their strengths and came away with the win.”
“They are going to come here trying to get three points, but I think we-re going to be ready for them,” he said.
Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold spoke of his expectations of the 33-year-old former LOSC Lille, FC Basel and Derby County influencer.
“He (Sterjovski) brings a lot of experience to the team and a lot of quality. He-s settled in very well and I know he-s primed up for a big one,” Arnold said.
Both sides will be without New Zealand internationals for the clash, with the Mariners missing midfield schemer Michael McGlinchey and Perth minus gun striker Shane Smeltz. The duo are currently with the New Zealand National Team in Tahiti.
Despite Glory missing Smeltz, Sterjovski believes the Mariners will need to be on their toes against his likely replacement Billy Mehmet.
“Billy (Mehmet) is a great player. They won-t be losing much up front. Billy has a good finish on him and he-s good in the air. He-s definitely a danger man for them and we will have to be at our best to stop him,” he said.
Arnold remains confident following the 0-0 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers in the opening round, admitting he won-t be making many changes for the Mariners first home game of the campaign.
“We still have a couple of niggles and most of those boys will be ready for next week, the Newcastle game. Losing ‘Mikey’ (Michael) McGlinchey to national team duty as well hasn-t helped but Bernie (Ibini) is fit, he came off the bench the other night and showed that he-s fit and ready. He-ll probably be the only change.”
“Bluetongue … is our fortress and we want to make sure we get all three points.”
The Mariners will be wearing pink for Sunday-s encounter in support of Pink Ribbon Day and following the match Mingara will auction off the signed playing strips to raise further funds for the Cancer Council.
“I love it. It-s all for a great cause and hopefully we can raise a lot of awareness and raise a lot of money,” Sterjovski said.
“I-ll have my pink tie on. It-s a great cause that we-re supporting and hopefully all of the supporters will get behind it as well,” Arnold added.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Perth Glory
Sunday 14 October, 2012 – Kick-off 5:00pm (local)
Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter. The official match hashtag is #CCMvPG
