Downey is on the verge of making his long awaited comeback to A-League action when Perth tackle North Queensland Fury at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Downey could be excused for thinking he'd become the side's forgotten man after a frustrating run of injuries has seen him stuck on the sidelines all season.

That could change tonight with coach Dave Mitchell keen to inject Downey's pace into the club's crucial clash against Fury.

Downey travelled as part of an extended 16-man Glory squad and would make his first appearance of the season if selected in the final line-up.

"It's great to be back in a position to be selected," Downey said. "It's a pretty lonely place when you have to sit in front of the television and watch the boys play knowing you can't be there helping them out."

Despite being One of the club's fittest players, Downey has had a series of injuries that needed long rehabilitation.

But the 22 year-old has taken positives from the experience and believes there are important lessons that will benefit him in the long term.

"Rehab is really tedious and to go through basically the same thing twice was mentally tough but I think I have probably grown up a fair bit in that time and realised just how lucky you are to be fit," Downey said.

"I've got a lot more to offer than I have shown.  I wasn't happy with my performances last year and this season has been frustrating with the injuries but I know I have a lot more to give and I want to prove my worth and pay back the faith Perth Glory have put in me.

"I was able though to get a good fitness base during the rehab and I'm looking forward to contributing to the team throughout the rest of the season.

"Wherever Mitch thinks he needs me, I'll slot in - if that's coming off the bench, it doesn't bother me.

"The team is doing well and looking really good and to be part of it would be fantastic."

Downey is joined in the Perth squad by midfielder Scott Bulloch, who returns after a fortnight out with a thigh injury, while fellow midfielder Andrija Jukic has been promoted after starring for the Glory Youth team.

Perth were unable to call on defender Chris Coyne for a second consecutive match due to a back complaint while joint leading scorer Branko Jelic didn't make the trip as he recovers from a kick to his ankle received in last Sunday's draw against Brisbane.