Post by radinho on Sept 22, 2007 16:40:48 GMT 10
His return to the A-League has been rapid but Perth Glory coach Ron Smith says Central Coast recruit Damian Mori may struggle for pace this Sunday.
Mori's registration for the Mariners was being rushed through on Friday so the A-League's gun-for-hire could be available to take on his former club at Bluetongue Stadium.
And while Smith has no doubts of the goalscoring instincts that have netted Mori more than 300 senior goals, the Glory coach said there was a gulf between the South Australian state league and the A-League.
"You don't lose ability, you just lose legs," said Smith.
"What he might find a little bit different is the speed of the game, compared to playing in the state league. But he has played enough games, so he will know what to expect."
"I expect he will play if they can get him registered in time, but I don't see him as any more dangerous than Nicky Mrdja."
"If he has the opportunity to play for a couple of months, or a bit longer in a club that is fine, but it is a little bit different proposition to playing the whole season."
The latest short term contract will be the fourth time Mori has answered an emergency call from a A-League club, after playing for Glory in 2005/06, the Mariners in 2006 and Queensland Roar in 2006/07.
Seven goals in his stint in Perth, and eight goals in his time at the Mariners and the Roar last season make Mori the A-League's joint-third top scorer in its two season history.
And it is a tally the 36-year old hopes to increase at the first time of asking.
"I have had a lot of clubs now, so this is just one of many, but I am here to a job," said Mori.
"I am looking forward to getting out there and having a good game."
While the Mariners will be without Alex Wilkinson, Paul O'Grady, Mrdja and the suspended Tony Vidmar, and have doubts over Sasho Petrovski, Perth will also be forced into changes.
Leo Bertos (groin) and Anthony Danze (neck) will miss this weekend, as will midfielder Billy Celeski who was dropped after storming off after being substituted in the 2-1 defeat to Queensland.
"I said to him that the behaviour was unacceptable, particularly as we had some discussions about what should and shouldn't happen when players are substituted," said Smith.
"He did apologise, and he has accepted it."
Smith said the rest of the Glory squad had also been told to lift their game, after three successive 0-0 draws and the Roar defeat left them second bottom after four rounds.
"If we are going to lift our tempo in games, we have got to lift it in training. In terms of intensity there has been a lift this week, and that is what I asked for," said Smith.
Mori's registration for the Mariners was being rushed through on Friday so the A-League's gun-for-hire could be available to take on his former club at Bluetongue Stadium.
And while Smith has no doubts of the goalscoring instincts that have netted Mori more than 300 senior goals, the Glory coach said there was a gulf between the South Australian state league and the A-League.
"You don't lose ability, you just lose legs," said Smith.
"What he might find a little bit different is the speed of the game, compared to playing in the state league. But he has played enough games, so he will know what to expect."
"I expect he will play if they can get him registered in time, but I don't see him as any more dangerous than Nicky Mrdja."
"If he has the opportunity to play for a couple of months, or a bit longer in a club that is fine, but it is a little bit different proposition to playing the whole season."
The latest short term contract will be the fourth time Mori has answered an emergency call from a A-League club, after playing for Glory in 2005/06, the Mariners in 2006 and Queensland Roar in 2006/07.
Seven goals in his stint in Perth, and eight goals in his time at the Mariners and the Roar last season make Mori the A-League's joint-third top scorer in its two season history.
And it is a tally the 36-year old hopes to increase at the first time of asking.
"I have had a lot of clubs now, so this is just one of many, but I am here to a job," said Mori.
"I am looking forward to getting out there and having a good game."
While the Mariners will be without Alex Wilkinson, Paul O'Grady, Mrdja and the suspended Tony Vidmar, and have doubts over Sasho Petrovski, Perth will also be forced into changes.
Leo Bertos (groin) and Anthony Danze (neck) will miss this weekend, as will midfielder Billy Celeski who was dropped after storming off after being substituted in the 2-1 defeat to Queensland.
"I said to him that the behaviour was unacceptable, particularly as we had some discussions about what should and shouldn't happen when players are substituted," said Smith.
"He did apologise, and he has accepted it."
Smith said the rest of the Glory squad had also been told to lift their game, after three successive 0-0 draws and the Roar defeat left them second bottom after four rounds.
"If we are going to lift our tempo in games, we have got to lift it in training. In terms of intensity there has been a lift this week, and that is what I asked for," said Smith.
