Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell will be without the young striker for the start of the A-League season due to Olympic duties and admits he will be missed.

Speaking at today's A-League coaches forum in Sydney, Mitchell told au.fourfourtwo.com: "Nikita is a fantastic talent. He was with us at the start of last season, playing a little wide and a little bit indifferent.

"The team was playing a little bit indifferent so it was difficult for him to get many opportunities.

"But after the way he finished last season, plus the Olympics, he'll be a very important part of Perth Glory being successful this year."

Mitchell added: "He's a talented player and I'm looking forward to him playing this year and scoring goals. He is a good goalscorer.

"He's just about to sign a new contract so that's a great thing for the club. He's one of the best young talents in Australia.

"He's very quick, technically very good and he can finish well. You have to give strikers confidence. For me, strikers should be getting three or four chances in a game.

"If you stick one or two away, you're doing your job."

Mitchell is happy with his recruiting so far but hopes to add at least one further player to his squad before the season starts.

He said: "There's one overseas player I'm looking at but I can't name at this minute because I haven't entered formal discussions and I don't want anyone to know.

"We're still one or two short. Probably a midfielder or a wide player. You want competition all over the park in every position.

"I'm just biding my time though and seeing how things develop in the Pre-Season Cup.

"The club hasn't been in the A-League finals. It's important we establish Perth being in the top four. That's my goal, higher if we can. The minimum is certainly the top four I'll be looking for."