Sydney Fc On Their Last Reserves

Sun Herald

Sunday September 9, 2007

By David Sygall

A DEPLETED Sydney FC will almost certainly be without Tony Popovic for today's clash with Perth Glory at Members Equity Stadium, after the captain showed little sign of recovering from a back injury.

Coach Branko Culina yesterday said Popovic was "very doubtful" to start the game, but he would make a final decision on his availability this morning.

If Popovic is ruled out, it is likely that 18-year-old Matthew Jurman will make his debut.

The team is already without goalkeeper Clint Bolton, striker Alex Brosque and defenders Mark Milligan and Ruben Zadkovich, who are away with either the Socceroos or the Olyroos. Juninho, meanwhile, heads the side's casualty list.

Sydney have recruited, for one match only, goalkeeper Michael Herbert to back up reserve goalkeeper Matthew Nash, while defender Jurman and striker Robbie Cattanach will cover the other losses.

"We will miss some key players, but I've told the guys that this is an opportunity to get a result probably against the odds," Culina said. "Also, if these guys think they should have a starting spot in the team, this is their chance to show what they've got."

Meanwhile, weather conditions in Perth yesterday were atrocious. Remarkably, the field on which today's game is to be played hosted a rugby match yesterday.

Thankfully for Sydney, the Glory are also having personnel problems. They are without the injured Hayden Foxe and David Tarka, and international call-ups have taken away Simon Colosimo, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Billy Celeski and Tando Velaphi.

The Glory have yet to score a goal in their two matches so far this season.

ROUND FOUR

Friday: Sydney v Wellington, Sydney Football Stadium, 8pm.

Saturday: Newcastle v Adelaide, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 7pm.

Sunday: Melbourne v Central Coast, Telstra Dome, 5pm; Perth v Queensland, Members Equity Stadium, 7pm.

© 2007 Sun Herald

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