Training accident to sideline Glory tyro
An injury suffered at training yesterday is expected to keep Perth Glory whizkid Daniel De Silva sidelined for one week.
De Silva, 16, was involved in a heavy collision with a teammate and hurt his ankle.
The attacking midfielder was left out of the squad that travelled to Christchurch today for Saturday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix.
Coach Alistair Edwards considered promoting De Silva to the starting line-up for the first time against Sydney FC last week, but instead opted to bring him off the bench.
De Silva played 20 minutes but quickly tired after trying hard to impress early in the cameo appearance.
“He’s 16 years old and he just loves playing, and I think that was a good learning curve for him today,” Edwards said following Glory’s 1-0 win over the Sky Blues.
“He probably did about 50 100m sprints in three or so minutes, which is pretty taxing. He’s got to learn to pace himself, but it was good for him, a good experience.
“He’s come along and played two games against Sydney FC now and he’s graced the same pitch as (Alessandro) Del Piero twice. He’ll be right.”
De Silva is expected to return against Adelaide United at nib Stadium on Saturday week in a match that will likely see star recruit William Gallas make his Glory debut.
Gallas is due to arrive in Perth from Europe on Saturday evening and will join his new teammates for training on Tuesday.
