Glory unfazed by Socceroos snub

PERTH GLORY coach Kenny Lowe insists he has no issues with the club’s Asian Cup snub, saying it could help their A-League title bid.

Despite sitting six points clear on top of the table, the Glory failed to have a single player named in the Socceroos’ 23-man squad for the Asian Cup.

Midfielder Mitch Nichols couldn’t be considered due to a hamstring injury, while 17-year-old whiz kid Danny De Silva and defender Josh Risdon failed to make the final cut.

Glory will be back in action tonight when they take on a resurgent Melbourne City at AAMI Park.

Lowe said he couldn’t fault Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou for picking the squad he did. ‘‘He does it as he sees fits,’’ Lowe said. ‘‘Everybody’s got an opinion but he’s the guy that’s got to do the job. So just support him and hopefully the Australian team does very well. From a personal viewpoint of the players, they’ll be disappointed (to miss out). But from me and a purely selfish club perspective, I’m absolutely happy that no-one has gone to the Australian team. We’ll have a nice three-week break, everybody gets refreshed, and then, hopefully, we’re all fit and raring to go for the second part of the season.’’

After a slow start to the campaign, star-studded Melbourne City are starting to emerge as a genuine finals contender.

Last week’s 1-0 win over arch rivals Melbourne Victory gave them a much-needed boost, and they’re set to welcome back star import Damien Duff (calf) for the Boxing Day clash with Perth.

Fit-again international marquee Robbie Koren is also ready to fire after playing 29 minutes off the bench last week.

But midfielder Massimo Murdocca will match after re-injuring his ankle at training.

Glory, who thrashed Central Coast 4-1 last week, will welcome back Risdon from suspension.

Lowe said Melbourne City would provide challenge for his group.

‘‘They’re on a high after giving their neighbours a bit of a dusting last week, so they’ll be buzzing,’’ Lowe said.

‘‘They play some great football. It will be a really tough game for us.’’

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