Perth Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli predicts the goals will soon flow for Andy Keogh as the former Ireland international battles through another drought.
Keogh has remarkably scored in just one of his past 32 A-League Men games, when he notched four goals in a 5-1 drubbing of Western Sydney in May last year.
That goal blitz broke a 20-game scoring drought for Keogh in the ALM.
Keogh’s current ALM scoring drought stands at 11 games, seven of which have come this season.
The 35-year-old had previously been a goalscoring machine for Glory, but he now plays a more selfless role where he sets up opportunities for teammates rather than taking lots of shots himself.
Nevertheless, his near-barren run over a 32-game stretch for Glory must be a worry and he’ll be aiming to turn it around in Sunday’s clash with Western United in Tasmania.
“Maybe the people think Andy doesn’t score, but he does many things to help the team,” Fornaroli said.
“Especially Wednesday night for example (in the 1-0 loss to Macarthur), he was everywhere trying to help the team.
“He sacrifices for the team because he maybe plays in another position, another role.
“I don’t have to say anything to him because he knows the goals will come and there will be a point where he scores again, so it’s no problem. He’s a great player.”
Daniel Sturridge’s groin injury means Glory are in desperate need for both Keogh and Fornaroli to fire in attack.
Fornaroli has scored five goals in nine matches this season, but he missed some golden opportunities in the 1-0 loss to Macarthur.
Western United have soared to top spot under coach John Aloisi this season with their 1-0 win over Sydney FC on Wednesday marking the seventh time this campaign they have won by that scoreline.
Western are set to again be without captain Alessandro Diamanti.
“He’s still got pain from a knock near his knee,” Aloisi said.
“So we just have to see how quick that recovers.
“Hopefully it’s not too long because he’s an important part of our group.”
Glory received a dose of good news on Saturday when it was confirmed they would be playing three games in Perth in March.
The side hasn’t played in Perth since their round-one draw against Adelaide in November, but they will host Adelaide, Central Coast and Brisbane in a run of three straight home games.
GLORY UPDATED FIXTURES:-
Wednesday, March 2 – Melbourne City v Perth Glory at AAMI Park
Sunday, March 6 – Perth Glory v Adelaide United at HBF Park
Sunday, March 13 – Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners at HBF Park
Saturday, March 19 – Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar at HBF Park
Saturday, March 26 – Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory at Leichardt Oval.