Perth Glory defender Josh Risdon has been selected for the Hyundai A-League All Stars team set to take on English Premier League champions Manchester United in Sydney next weekend.
Perth Glory defender Josh Risdon has been selected for the Hyundai A-League All Stars team set to take on English Premier League champions Manchester United in Sydney next weekend.
The 20-year-old right-back has been rewarded for another season of consistent performances in Glory colours, during which he passed the milestone of 50 Hyundai A-League appearances and bagged his first ever senior goal in his side’s vital late-season win over Melbourne Victory.
Bunbury-born Risdon only returned to Perth last weekend having been called up for the recent Socceroos training camp on the Central Coast and will now jet out again on Friday to link up with the rest of the All Stars squad ahead of the July 20th clash at ANZ Stadium.
“Playing against the EPL champions is something I never thought I’d get the opportunity to do this early in my career,” he said.
“To get the chance to fly over there for this game is fantastic.
“If I don’t make the starting side or even come off the bench, just to be there and be a part of the whole thing will be awesome.
“The call-up was definitely a big shock. I really wasn’t expecting it at all.
“I was on my way home from training and Alistair (Edwards) called and said how would you like to play against Manchester United? It really took me by surprise.”
With the All Stars selection coming hot on the heels of his first taste of the senior national team set-up, the former ECU Joondalup man admitted that he’s been left a little stunned by recent events.
“A couple of weeks ago I was just looking forward to getting back into pre-season training with Glory, and little did I know that I’d be going to Socceroos camp the week after and now I’ve got an All Stars game to go to the week after that.
“It’s been a big month for me and I’m really looking forward to the week to come.”
In terms of the game itself, meanwhile, Risdon is relishing the prospect of facing the Red Devils in front of an 80,000-strong capacity crowd and revealed that he will have an extra personal incentive spurring him on.
“To play at ANZ Stadium in front of a crowd as big as that will be an unbelievable experience for me.
“I’m also a Liverpool fan, so it’s a good chance to try and help put one over on our biggest rivals!”
The remainder of the All Stars squad is set to be unveiled over the weekend.
