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Sydney FC sharpshooter Shane Smeltz might want to keep celebrations to a minimum if he scores against former side Perth Glory in Saturday night’s A-League clash at nib Stadium.
Smeltz was a fan favourite during his three-year stint at Glory, but he’s set to receive plenty of boos on Saturday when he returns to Perth for the first time since leaving the club.
The 33-year-old scored against Glory with a cheeky chip from the penalty spot when Sydney hosted Perth in December.
After netting the goal, Smeltz ran towards the corner flag and beckoned his teammates to join him in jovial celebrations.
Perth rebounded from the setback to secure a 2-1 win on enemy territory, and Glory skipper Michael Thwaite said Smeltz’s celebrations helped spur on the visitors.
“Dino (Djulbic) and I didn’t like that he celebrated after he scored the penalty last time,” Thwaite said.
“It’s probably why we came back and beat them 2-1.
“They say that you shouldn’t celebrate against your old club.
“But I think I’ve done it three times against Melbourne Victory, so I guess that’s not really a big point for us.”
Thwaite remains good friends with Smeltz, and he jumped at the chance to take a gentle dig at the New Zealand international.
“After the game we’ll go for a coffee. He knows the best places, because that’s all he was doing in his time in Perth – drinking coffee,” Thwaite joked.
“Nah, he’s got a great record. We’ve got to be really careful around him and not give him any time or space.
“We know how dangerous he is around the box.”
Glory remain four points clear on top of the table following their 3-3 draw with Melbourne Victory.
Fifth-placed Sydney FC are full of confidence following a 5-1 pumping of Central Coast.
The Sky Blues are yet to lose an away game this season, but Thwaite hopes that streak will be brought to an end this weekend.
Glory will be without suspended midfielder Rostyn Griffiths and injured winger Chris Harold (ankle).
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