Western United boss John Aloisi has brought four inclusions into his extended squad for Friday night’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men encounter with Adelaide United.
The headline instalment is that of goalkeeper Tom Heward-Belle who had played every minute of the season until suffering a finger injury in February.
Despite getting his No.1 back to full fitness, John Aloisi said in his pre-match press conference that Matt Sutton would continue to be given the nod from the start, with his form since coming into the side helping keep United unbeaten in four matches.
Left-back Connor O’Toole has been promoted into the extended squad for the first time since a hamstring injury sidelined him almost two months ago.
O’Toole has returned to full fitness in recent weeks and is back in contention to feature, providing competition for the richly in-form Ben Garuccio on the left-hand side of defence.
Aloisi has been keeping an eye on the VPL 1 Men’s senior side and was in attendance for Western United’s 5-2 win over Caroline Springs George Cross on Sunday.
With five goals in as many matches, Jake Najdovski has impressed in Diogo Ferreira’s Academy team and will be eying a third first-team appearance.
Jordan Lauton has also caught the eye with his displays in midfield at VPL 1 level and is included in the extended squad once again.
Luke Vickery scored his first goal of the VPL 1 Men’s season last week but is not included in the Isuzu UTE A-League squad this time around, while Michael Vonja also drops out after Heward-Belle’s return.
On the injury front, Ramy Najjarine and Noah Botic remain long-term absentees while Jacob Tratt, Oliver Lavale and Rhys Bozinovski continue to work on their respective recoveries.
The remainder of the squad remains fit, sharp and ready for action, with Aloisi delighted by the lift in training intensity since the side moved into the Regional Football Facility in Tarneit last week.
Full Western United extended squad
Western United squad: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 4. James DONACHIE, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 8. Lachie WALES, 9. Michael RUHS, 10. Steven LUSTICA, 11. Daniel PENHA, 13. Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Josh RISDON, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 22. Kane VIDMAR, 24. Connor O’TOOLE, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matt SUTTON (gk), 39. Matthew GRIMALDI, 43. Khoder KADDOUR, 44. Jordan LAUTON, 49. Jake NAJDOVSKI, 77. Riku DANZAKI
Ins: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (returns from injury), 24. Connor O’TOOLE (promoted), 44. Jordan LAUTON, 49. Jake NAJDOVSKI
Outs: 37. Luke VICKERY (omitted), 70. Michael VONJA (omitted)
Unavailable: 7. Ramy NAJJARINE (injured), 27. Jacob TRATT (injured), 38. Noah BOTIC (injured), 41. Oliver LAVALE (injured), 42. Rhys BOZINOVSKI (injured)
Match Details
Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 22
Adelaide United vs Western United
Friday, 29 March
Kick-off: 7:45pm AEDT
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+
