Popovic to play it safe with Castro
FOOTBALL: Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic will resist the urge to hand Diego Castro a starting role in tonight’s ALeague clash against Melbourne City.
And defender Matthew Spiranovic may be forced to wait at least another week before making his A-League return.
Castro has made two substitute appearances since recovering from a serious hamstring injury.
The 36-year-old came on in the 74th minute in a 3-2 win against the Mariners last month. And he scored the equaliser in last week’s 1-1 draw with Wellington after being introduced in the 65th minute.
Castro’s spark was crucial against the Phoenix, but Popovic is likely to err on the side of caution with the skipper against Melbourne City.
“He’s getting closer,” Popovic said.
“We feel that he’s getting stronger with each training session.
“He’s shown that in the games as well, the two matches, that he’s looking better and better.
“He’ll certainly play a part this week, and we’ll see how many minutes that is.”
Spiranovic hasn’t played at senior level for about a year because of a long-standing hip injury.
But the 30-year-old has made it through two youth matches for Glory, and is an outside chance to be named on the bench against City.
Glory sit on top of the ladder after snaring four wins and two draws from the first six rounds.
City are four points further back in fifth spot, but will enter tonight’s match at nib Stadium full of confidence following last week’s 3-0 demolition of Newcastle.