James Troisi insists Melbourne Victory are focused on chasing down league-leaders Sydney FC for the Premiers Plate after their methodical win over Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
ith Troisi in the type of form that has him earmarked for a Caltex Socceroo call up next month, Victory were too classy for the hosts as they cruised to a 3-0 win in Gosford.
REPORT: Berisha brace guides Victory past Mariners
With the Sky Blues losing an absorbing Sydney Derby 1-0 on Saturday night, Victory have closed the gap to eight points at the top heading into the last seven rounds.
“We’re definitely going to keep fighting for top spot,” Troisi told Fox Sports afterwards.
“As long as we focus on ourselves and play the way we want to play, when we win that’s what it all about.
“We’re very happy. There’s a lot of tough games coming up, for the other teams as well, so it will be interesting.”
Troisi was a standout for Kevin Muscat’s side on Sunday, playing a leading hand in Besart Berisha’s first-half opener before doubling the lead with a superb second after the break.
Berisha – in his 150th Hyundai A-League clash – then put the icing on the cake near full-time to take his tally this season to 16.
Asked about the manner of the win, Troisi said: “It was fantastic, it was more like us.
“We worked hard, we played to our structure and we created a lot of chances.
“We scored three but we could have had a lot more. That’s the most pleasing thing about the game today.
Troisi has been in sensational form over the last couple of months and would appear a certainty for selection in Ange Postecoglou’s squad for next month’s qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.
“I’m doing my thing. I’m happy with the way I’m playing at the moment,” said the 28-year-old when asked about his chances of a Socceroo re-call.
“Obviously I’m scoring goals but more importantly I’m providing goals for my team. As long as I keep doing my stuff on the pitch that will take care of itself.”
Victory return to Melbourne next Saturday night for a clash with Adelaide United at AAMI Park.
