PERTH Glory coach Dave Mitchell feels Sunday's game against A-League new boys Melbourne Heart will test the depth of his squad as injuries and paperwork continue to hamper the club.
With Chris Coyne, Victor Sikora, Mile Sterjovski, Jamie Harnwell and Andy Todd missing, plus the club still waiting for Michael Baird's provisional clearance to arrive, Mitchell has limited options.
"The thing is some of it is not down to injury which is annoying but we just have to get on with it.
"The one advantage is, it does give other players an opportunity to stake a claim," Mitchell said.
For Baird, the waiting game continues, his contract dispute with his former Romanian club Universtatea Craiova still in the hands of FIFA.
"It's frustrating how one player at another club, in the same situation was cleared two weeks ago but we can't get Michael free to play."
Melbourne Heart will also be missing a trio of big names with John Aloisi, Josip Skoko and Michael Beauchamp all ruled out because of injury.
Sunday's match will be milestone match for both Jamie Coyne and Tando Velaphi. It's Velaphi's 50th A-League game for the club while Coyne will be first player to reach the ton for Perth Glory.
"For Jamie to make 100 A-League games is fantastic.
"He's been a good servant of the club and a player who has been with us when we were down the bottom so hopefully he can enjoy some good times.
"I think Tando suffered in the early part of his career not playing enough games but it's good because he's now clocking them up and has come back and performed really well in the last few weeks," Mitchell added.
Related Articles

Fresh talent flock to ambitious A-League outfit's pro pathway

Why A-League 20/21 is crucial for Olyroos’ medal hopes

Why A-League on the Gold Coast could still work
Latest News

'Pretty amazing': how Minjee Lee entered golf folklore

Record prizemoney for Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia
