Glory defender Alex Grant has challenged Perth to kick on and claim a home final following their surge up the Hyundai A-League ladder.
On Monday night in front of over 11,000 fans, Kenny Lowe’s side moved into the top six for the first time this season after a 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets.
Resurgent Glory storm into Hyundai A-League top six
The club is the form team of the competition, having claimed six wins from their last seven starts, and with a relatively easy run home the Glory boys have their eyes on finishing as high up the table as possible.
“We’ve got to go into it [remaining games] full of confidence and get the results, really,” Grant told the West Australian (https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/)
“That’s what it comes down to now, just winning games. It’s the business end of the season and it’s time to step up.
“It’d be massive [to play finals]. I’ve been confident from the start.
“I know we had our problems at the start of the season where we weren’t winning many games, but I think we’ve got a great set of lads, the morale’s unbelievable within the group.
“We’ve just got to kick on now.”
Grant has been one of the Glory’s most consistent contributors in recent weeks, making a formidable pairing in central defence with Shane Lowry.
It’s seen him become a semi-regular in the official Hyundai A-League team of the week.
Hyundai A-League team of the week: Round 22
Having forced his way in the starting 11 the former Stoke City and Portsmouth defender has now featured in 16 matches in his first season at the club.
“I’ve obviously cemented my spot in the team now and I’d like to keep it,” said Grant.
“I’m really enjoying playing football in front of the fans.
“The fans are great here. It’s really positive.”
Looking ahead the 22-year-old also hoped Perth would also be able to retain the services of fellow defender Josh Risdon, who is off contract at the end of the season.
Risdon was named in the Socceroos latest squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers on home soil, with the pair both junior products of Perth outfit ECU Joondalup.
“I hope he stays, let’s put it that way,” Grant said.
“I’ve seen Josh play when we were younger.
“He was a really good player then, but he’s probably surprised me more so coming back at how much he’s developed.”
Perth Glory host the Central Coast Mariners in Round 23 Hyundai A-League action this Saturday night at nib Stadium.
