French connection lifts Thwaite
PERTH Glory defender Michael Thwaite feels like a kid again as he awaits the arrival of former French international William Gallas.
The Glory landed a major coup by beating rival clubs from England, the United States and the Middle East to secure the services of Gallas as their international marquee player.
Gallas, 36, who played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham during a decorated career in England, is in line to make his Glory debut in the November 16 clash with Adelaide United in Perth.
His arrival will not only strengthen Glory’s defence, but could also boost Thwaite’s chances of impressing new Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou if the pair are able to form a strong partnership. ‘‘It will be an honour to play alongside a player of that calibre,’’ Thwaite said ahead of today’s clash with Melbourne Heart at nib Stadium.
‘‘It’s a player’s dream to play alongside a guy that’s been at two World Cups and won European Championships and played at the biggest clubs in the world.’’
Thwaite, 30, became a semiregular member of the Socceroos under former coach Holger Osieck.
But he knows he will have to earn his keep all over again as Postecoglou looks to refresh the misfiring national squad ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
‘‘You need to do the business on the pitch at club level,’’ said Thwaite, who is ready to return to action after missing the past two weeks.
‘‘ Ange is big on getting players that suit his system. You need to be playing well before you can even think about being on that team.’’
‘‘He actually picked me as an injury replacement just before the Under-20 World Cup and I played every game.
Heart skipper Harry Kewell will miss his second straight game, but the visitors have been boosted by the inclusion of Michael Mifsud.