Muscat thrilled with Victory’s resilience

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat hailed his squad’s mental strength and belief following their 3-1 victory at home to Western Sydney on Tuesday.

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat hailed his squad’s mental strength and belief following their 3-1 victory at home to Western Sydney on Tuesday.

The Victory, missing seven players through injury, suspension and international commitments, were surprisingly comfortable in beating the reigning premiers at AAMI Park.

Second-half goals from Archie Thompson, Kosta Barbarouses and Guilherme Finkler sealed all three points and saw Victory climb to third in the A-League standings, prompting Muscat to heap praise on his makeshift team.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the group that played tonight,” he said.

“(I’m) so pleased for them. They worked very hard at producing a performance within a structure. Some of the goals tonight were first-rate against a very good defensive unit.

“I think seven or eight boys on that team sheet or in the squad tonight were under 21. They’re led by some senior pro’s who rolled their sleeves up tonight and had a go.

“The final message before we went out tonight was to have belief in yourselves. And believe in the structure that we try to play to. I was pleased with the football that we played for long periods.”

Victory lost Andrew Nabbout in the 14th minute when he was knocked out by a boot to the head at a corner kick. The 21-year-old regained consciousness soon afterwards and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

“I haven’t had any opportunity to discuss it with the doc,” Muscat said when asked for an update on the young forward’s condition.

“He obviously copped a heavy knock. But (by) all reports, when he first come off, the doctor wasn’t too concerned, but I haven’t had an update.”

Muscat declined to provide an update on Cerezo Osaka’s pursuit of Mitch Nichols, who missed the game against the Wanderers due to a minor knock, but is expected to be passed fit to play Wellington Phoenix away on Saturday.