Former Socceroos striker Mile Sterjovski will be forced to run around with a bunch of teenagers this weekend after again being overlooked for selection in Perth Glory’s A-League squad.
Sterjovski failed to even make the bench in the Glory’s opening two games of the season and will be reduced to the role of a spectator again when his team-mates attempt to make it three wins on the trot in Sunday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix in Perth.
The 32-year-old arrived at the Glory to much fanfare two years ago and is still the club’s Australian marquee player, earning in the vicinity of $600,000 a year.
But Sterjovski will be given a major reality check on Saturday when he lines up for Perth Glory’s National Youth League outfit in their season opener against the Australian Institute of Sport at Dalmatinac Park, Spearwood.
Glory coach Ian Ferguson believed it was only a matter of time before a spot opened up for Sterjovski in the senior squad.
But that will be of little comfort to Sterjovski, who represented Australia 43 times and played for clubs such as Lille, Basel, Genclerbirligi and Derby County in a decorated career.
“There’s going to be opportunities for Mile, and Mile’s got to take those opportunities, just like everyone else,” Ferguson said on Friday.
“Everyone’s in the same boat.
“I don’t want to change a winning team.
“Mile’s a good pro, he’s come in and worked hard and he puts in. And that’s what I want to see. I want to make sure everyone knows there’s competition.
“Mile’s got to try to fight to get back into the team and he has to make sure he works hard and if he goes down to the Youth team then he’s got to play well there as well.”
Ferguson said he would stick with the same XI that defeated Melbourne Heart 2-1 last week, meaning Chris Coyne retains his spot in central defence ahead of fit-again centre-half Josh Mitchell, who will slot in on the bench.
Mato-Bateman
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When that A-League transfer window opens up in 2 weeks, clubs will be after Mile. Wellington could sure use a player with Mile's experience and the lack of depth at their club, they should make a move for him especialy with Ifill's situation. The problem could be his asking price. He had his moments at Perth but it might be best for him to move on. Unbelievable that Perth have Mile, Adam Hughes and Evan Berger in their youth team. What depth they have.