Mariners skipper Nick Montgomery is hoping his experience of playing with and against a couple of Glory’s stars can help his side claim a much needed win in Perth this weekend.
Montgomery was a teammate of defender Shane Lowry during his time at Sheffield United and played against former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Andy Keogh in the Championship.
The Mariners skipper identified the pair, who were both signed during the January transfer window, as being hugely influential in Glory’s surge up the ladder.
“He’s [Keogh] a great lad. He went to Thailand and struggled there but he’s come back and you know what you’re going to get from him,” Montgomery told reporters.
“Since they signed him and Shane Lowry, another lad that I know [they’ve been excellent].
“He’s a good strong solid defender; been around in England with plenty of games under his belt.
“Them two came in in January and they’ve put a real backbone into that Perth side and they’re two great signings from Kenny.”
With Montgomery returning from suspension this weekend and Mitch Austin in the reckoning having recovered from a back injury, the Mariners will arguably field their strongest eleven of the season this weekend.
The clash will be Roy O’Donovan’s second match back from an eight week suspension, while Louis Garcia and Fabio Ferrerira have both been plagued by injuries in recent weeks but are returning to full fitness.
“There’ve been numerous times this season when we’ve not been able to put out our strongest side,” said Montgomery.
“We’ve had injuries, suspensions and it’s no secret that we haven’t got the biggest, strongest squad in the league.
“We’ve got a lot of young players but to have the likes of Roy O’Donovan back after eight weeks is brilliant for us.
“Luis [Garcia] is getting back his fitness after a little niggle and hopefully Mitch [Austin] will make the game.”
The Mariners will be hoping to snap a five game losing streak, while Glory will be shooting for their seventh win in eight games at nib Stadium.
Despite Central Coast seemingly destined to pick up the first wooden spoon in the club’s history, Montgomery is adamant that morale within the squad remains strong.
“Obviously it was another tough defeat and tough result against Victory but we’ve got five games left now,” said Montgomery.
“We’ve trained hard this week. If we play like the way we can and people do their jobs we’ve got every chance of getting a result there.”
