Wanderers not contemplating move for Lucas Neill

 

Roar Guru

By Ed Jackson, 26 Jul 2012

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 A-League, football, Western Sydney Wanderers

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Western Sydney Wanderers appear unlikely to make a move for Lucas Neill after coach Tony Popovic claimed the Socceroos captain isn’t on his radar.

Neill, a western Sydney product, is currently unattached after being released by United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira last month.

But Popovic, who saw his new team claim a 5-0 win over Nepean in their opening pre-season friendly on Wednesday night, was unequivocal when asked if the 34-year-old defender was a target.

“I haven’t had any discussions about Lucas at all,” Popovic told reporters.

While the club now has a major sponsor and also announced on Thursday a deal that makes Parramatta Stadium their home ground for the next five years, there are still just nine players signed to the Wanderers.

But Popovic says any concerns that the team will be under-prepared for their inaugural A-League campaign are unfounded.

“Obviously we’re speaking to players daily,” the former Socceroo said.

“It’s on course for us. I’ve said all along that come the first game we’ll have a squad that’s ready to play.”

Popovic said the club would play “two or three” pre-season matches against fellow A-League teams before the new campaign kicks off in the first week of October but dates were yet to be confirmed.

One player who has put his case forward for a contract is former Sydney FC player Joey Gibbs, who scored four goals in the friendly against Nepean.

“He did very well last night. Four goals is four goals, doesn’t matter where you score them or who it’s against,” Popovic said of the 20-year-old.

“We’ve still got to assess a few other players as well and make sure we make the right decision but he obviously hasn’t done himself any harm with that performance.”

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