Perth Glory striker Billy Mehmet will be desperate to prove a point to coach Ian Ferguson when his side face Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday.
Perth Glory striker Billy Mehmet will be desperate to prove a point to coach Ian Ferguson when his side face Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday.
A surprise omission from Glory’s starting line-up against Brisbane Roar last Sunday, the 28-year-old came off the bench to nod home a dramatic late winner.
With Shane Smeltz set to miss the trip to Gosford due to international commitments, Mehmet will start in his place.
“I was really disappointed not to be in the starting side last week, but then it was great to come off the bench and score,” Mehmet said.
“We know this season that there is me, Shane (Smeltz) and Stevie (McGarry) and that the gaffer is only going to play two of us.
“He’s already told us that against different teams there are going to be different ways that he chooses to go, so I have to accept it and just hope to keep my place.”
Another goal of the quality which accounted for the reigning champions at Patersons Stadium would do Mehmet’s chances of retaining his starting spot no harm.
His powerful headed effort was worthy of winning any game, even if the subsequent goal celebration was a little less impressive.
“Scott Jamieson whipped in a few good balls over the course of the game and when I went on, I was hoping he’d put another one in and he did,” Mehmet said.
“I managed to get in between the two defenders and thankfully it went into the bottom corner.
“I was going to do the Gangnam-style dance, but I didn’t have time to do it because the boys just jumped on top of me, so it wasn’t the best celebration.”
The West Ham United academy product is anticipating some close attention from one Mariners defender in particular come Sunday afternoon.
“It’s always a physical battle with Patrick Zwaanswijk,” he said.
“He’s a big, strong boy who I had a few good battles with last season and I’m expecting another tough match and a real test this time around.”
And Mehmet is relishing the prospect of a 90-minute duel with Zwaanswijk and co having put in the hard yards during the off-season.
“I feel really good,” he said.
“Last year I only had two or three weeks of pre-season because I was in Turkey and came in quite late, but fortunately this year I’ve had a full pre-season and I feel good and fit.
“I just want to keep going now, stay fit and score plenty of goals.”
The London-born striker has now bagged seven A-League goals and although he is yet to open his account against the Mariners in open play, he did find the net with a nerveless spot-kick during the penalty shoot-out that decided last season’s preliminary final in Glory’s favour.
“Another goal on Sunday would be lovely,” Mehmet said.
