Gallas might yet grace Glory
Perth Glory marquee man William Gallas is rated a 50-50 chance to play against Central Coast at nib Stadium on Saturday night in what could be his final home game for the club.
Gallas had scans on his injured right hamstring yesterday and Glory chief executive Jason Brewer said the 36-year-old defender was hopeful of playing this week.
Gallas arrived in Perth to much fanfare in November, signing a season-long deal worth $600,000.
But injuries have restricted the former English Premier League star to just 13 appearances for Glory in five months.
Gallas hobbled off the pitch for treatment during the first half of Sunday's 2-1 win over Newcastle and was replaced by youngster Brandon O'Neill after the break.
Late goals from Nebojsa Marinkovic and Chris Harold sealed the result for Glory, ending a 10-match winless streak.
It was the only victory Gallas had been a part of during a tumultuous campaign.
Brewer said last week a decision on Gallas' future at Glory would be left to the club's coach for next season.
Glory are likely to appoint a new coach - or offer interim boss Kenny Lowe a permanent position - by the end of next week.
After Sunday's game, Lowe said he felt Gallas has been unfairly criticised this season, saying the former French international had made a positive impact for Glory on and off the field.
"He's high-profile so he's a target for people," Lowe said.
"Maybe the uninitiated and not football-savvy people think he's going to pull it down, go past 12, do an overhead kick and stick it in the net every game, but that's not how it works.
"He's an out-and-out defender. If you watch him, he smells danger. He's a top guy. He mentors people at the club."
Glory are out of the finals race and visit Sydney FC in their final game of the season next week.
