The imminent return to action of veteran striker Archie Thompson has come at just the right time for Melbourne Victory, according to midfielder Grant Brebner.
Thompson is a strong chance to be named on the bench for Saturday night’s clash with Gold Coast United at Etihad Stadium less than eight months after undergoing a knee reconstruction.
Brebner said everyone at the club has been counting down the days to the 32-year-old’s return.
“I’m not going to underplay it or underestimate it, Archie, it’s like signing a new player for us,” Brebner said after training at Olympic Park on Friday.
“He’s a player that can win a game on his own and when the game’s not going particularly well for us in previous seasons he’s somebody who can win it on the back of a turn and a shot.”
“It can’t come quick enough for us, to be honest.”
Brebner said Thompson had been among the hardest workers on the training track for the past month and wouldn’t need long to get up to match fitness.
“He’s flying, you wouldn’t even think he’s been out for as long as he has,” Brebner said.
“We’re looking forward to him hopefully getting a run tomorrow night.”
Brebner said he expects Thompson to play a key role in the coming weeks as the fifth-placed Victory set about bridging the eight-point gap between themselves and the competition top two, Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar.
“I wouldn’t say he’s the difference because we are a good side and one player doesn’t make the team, but what he does do is give us a huge lift and what a great time to come in and do it for us.”
“He’s bursting to get in the team and hopefully he comes on if he gets a part to play tomorrow night and it would be great for everybody connected to see him score.”
