Andrea Migliorini’s sensational brace against Adelaide finally has Melbourne Heart feeling they can find the back of the net, but Western Sydney gloveman Ante Covic says he’s ready for whatever the Italian midfielder throws at him when they clash on Saturday.
The Heart, who have been kept scoreless in five of their seven previous games, posted a dramatic 3-3 draw against the Reds on Sunday.
Down 2-0 at halftime, Migliorini levelled with two long-rang missiles that are sure feature on this season’s highlight reel.
But the Heart are still left looking for their first win of the season and come to Parramatta Stadium a reinvigorated side.
And while not underestimating the bottom-of-the-table team, Covic says he’s not concerned about the threat Migliorini presents.
“He’s timed two shots to perfection, the first one was an absolute bomb,” Covic said ahead of training on Wednesday.
“You can look at those things and say he’s going to make it difficult but at the same time they only happen every once in a while.
“So I’m not too worried about that. I know who can hit the ball.
“I’ll be ready for pretty much everything, whether it’s from halfway, outside the box, inside the six yard. I don’t care what comes at me I’ve just got to be switched on.”
Under-fire Heart coach John Aloisi is hoping to welcome back star signing Harry Kewell from injury on Saturday.
Wanderers mentor Tony Popovic backed former Socceroos teammate Aloisi to turn things around at Heart.
“On the weekend you saw his passion and drive and that will put him in good stead I’m sure,” Popovic said.
“I know he’ll work extremely hard to get things right at that club and I hope he does, but not this weekend.”
Marquee man Shinji Ono is still in doubt for Saturday’s clash after missing the Wanderers’ scoreless draw away to Wellington last week with a groin strain.
Popovic said he is encouraged with Ono’s progress, but will wait until Friday to make a call on his availability.
Popovic was forced into a few changes for the Phoenix clash with striker Brendon Santalab, midfielder Jerome Polenz and young gun Tomi Juric out with injury.
Livewire Youssouf Hersi made his comeback from a foot complaint off the bench and Popovic said he, along with all the other injured players, had been training well this week.
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