Western United boss John Aloisi has recalled a trio of youngsters for Tuesday night’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men derby clash against Melbourne City.
Jake Najdovski, Oliver Lavale and Luka Coveny have all returned to the extended squad and will be hoping to be in the mix for selection at AAMI Park.
The three inclusions come with Jordan Lauton dropping out of the side due to suspension after his somewhat heroic red card last time out.
The Western United Academy graduate scored an incredible 95th-minute bicycle kick as the Green and Black scored a come-from-behind 3-2 win against Perth Glory and was sent off in the aftermath after receiving a yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration – his second caution of the match.
Lauton is the only out for Aloisi’s side with Abel Walatee and Charbel Shamoon remaining sidelined with their respective knee and ankle injuries.
Hiroshi Ibusuki will hope to return to the starting line-up after playing the second half of that win in Perth while Ben Garuccio made good on his return from injury and will be ready to go against his former side.
Luke Vickery shone in his first appearance for the season and will be eager for another opportunity, while Tate Russell will be out to add to his first Western United goal as he closes in on 100 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances.
Full Western United Isuzu UTE A-League Extended Squad
Western United squad: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 5. Oliver LAVALE, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Ramy NAJJARINE, 9. Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10. Matthew GRIMALDI, 13. Tate RUSSELL, 14. Jake NAJDOVSKI, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Noah BOTIC, 22. Kane VIDMAR, 23. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 24. Michael RUHS, 30. Dylan LEONARD, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matthew SUTTON (gk), 34. James YORK, 37. Luke VICKERY, 47. Luka COVENY, 77. Riku DANZAKI
Ins: 5. Oliver LAVALE (promoted), 14. Jake NAJDOVSKI (promoted), 47. Luka COVENY (promoted)
Outs: 44. Jordan LAUTON (suspended)
Unavailable: 4. James DONACHIE (injured), 20. Abel WALATEE (injured), 21. Sebastian PASQUALI (injured), 29. Charbel SHAMOON (injured), 43. Khoder KADDOUR (injured)
