Glory young gun on his goal line heroics

Perth Glory teenager Brandon Wilson reveals how his breakout season is going in the West following a stellar performance at right-back against Melbourne Victory last weekend.

Wilson’s superb match-saving display filling in for the injured Josh Risdon at AAMI Park helped secure a hard-fought away point for Perth, with his goal line heroics earning him a number of plaudits.

It also earned the midfielder his first ever spot in the Hyundai A-League Team of the Week for Round 9.

Hyundai A-League Team of the Week: Round 9

The 19-year-old midfielder has already made seven appearances for Glory so far in his debut season with the club, and he believes his pre-season work played a crucial role in being given the opportunities by Kenny Lowe.

“I was taken by surprise with the first start,” Wilson told www.perthglory.com.au

“I really worked hard in pre-season, but I loved the opportunity and hopefully keep getting some more.”

The Botswana-born youngster, who moved to WA when he was 10, made his debut in Round 1 against Central Coast and has been relishing his chance in senior football.

“I’m loving it, I’m loving every minute of it,” said Wilson.

“Hopefully I keep getting some more opportunities and keep showing what I’m made of.”

The number 15 has a strong relationship with Lowe, as he played for the Glory head coach as part of the WA National Training Centre for three years.

“Even in the UK when I was playing he helped me out a lot,” the Burnley academy product added.

“It’s been good, especially coming back here having a coach that I know and [he’s] helped a lot.”

Wilson, who has been capped at U-20 level for Australia, also noted the helping hand from the senior players has created the perfect platform for him to perform at his best.

“The likes of Dino (Djulbic), Griffo (Griffiths) and Rhys (Williams), they help me out a lot off the pitch [and] on the pitch,” said Wilson.

“They give me a lot of advice, so I’m finding it helps me grow as a player and as a person a lot as well.”

With Josh Risdon expected to make his swift return from injury this week, Wilson hopes his versatility can earn him more appearances throughout the season.

“If I don’t start and I’m on the bench, then I’ll put my hand up and keep working hard and hopefully get back in the team as soon as possible,” he said.

Wilson and his Glory teammates will be looking to claim all three points in this Saturday’s crucial clash against Newcastle at nib Stadium. Kick-off is at 7pm local.