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Socceroo Mile Sterjokvsi Set To Return For Perth Glory Against North Queensland Fury

The Australia international was a late withdrawal in the clash against the Gold Coast.

Oct 20, 2009 4:48:44 AM

Mile Sterjovski - Australia and Derby County

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Mile Sterjovski - Australia and Derby County

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Mile Sterjovski

Perth Glory will receive a boost on the second leg of a tough road double with Socceroo Mile Sterjovski expected to return to the line-up after being a late withdrawal in the club’s clash against Gold Coast.

Sterjovski copped a heavy knock to his leg in Perth’s 1-0 win against Adelaide in round 10 and had been given light duties during the week but showed enough improvement to make the trip to Queensland.

He trained with team mates on Saturday and was in Coach Dave Mitchell’s plans until a few hours before kick-off.

“Mile trained the day before the game and did well but woke up on Sunday feeling sore and we thought it best not to push it for this game,” Mitchell said.

“Mile knows his body better than any one else and felt that he’d be able to shake off the knock but on Sunday morning we spoke about it together and decided not to risk it.

“The break gives him that extra time to get it right for our game against North Queensland this weekend.”

Sterjovski’s absence forcing Mitchell to reshuffle his side although the coach had contingency plans in place should the situation eventuate as it did.

“We worked on a few different scenarios and I thought the boys executed them well,” said Mitchell.

“Mile didn’t want to start the game and after 20 minutes have to be replaced if he was hurting because that would disrupt our flow during the game. He is a team man and wanted what was best for his team mates.

“He is very eager to get a good week of training under his belt and then be back in action on the weekend.”

Perth’s preparations have been helped with the team staying on the east coast ahead of their clash against the Fury in Townsville on Saturday afternoon. The reduced travel load allowing the players to complete a full recovery programme before increasing their work rate on the training track during the week.

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