Glory sign local Youngsters

Perth Soccer Club teenager David Micevski (right) was today signed by Perth Glory.

Micevski is on loan from the Football West league side until the end of the 2005/06 Hyundai A-League season and Glory will consider him as a possible U20 signing for next season. He will take the squad place made available by the departure of midfielder- defender Matt Horsley, who retired from the game in December.

Perth Glory coach Alan Vest holds Micevski in high regard and described the youngster as “a young lad who’s got a lot of skill, a good physique and a lot of energy.”

The coach praised Micevski’s versatility: “He’s got a good chance to do well in the game and only time will tell but he is certainly an exciting prospect,” Vest said.

“I would have thought he could play anywhere along the middle of the park, even at fullback,” he added.

Glory’s chief executive, Jeff Dennis, said it was a “natural progression” up the ranks for Micevski.

“We’re proud to continue to present strong young Western Australian players opportunities to play in the Hyundai A-League,” Dennis said.

“We would like to thank Perth Soccer Club for providing the opportunity for David to play at Perth Glory under a loan agreement. It reinforces the strong relationship between Perth Glory and Football West.”

Micevski was delighted to be given the opportunity to play in the A-League. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. I know it’s a big step from state league to A-League but I’ll be doing my best to prove my worth to Alan and club.”

Micevski was identified by Perth Glory technical manager Mich d’Avray as one of the best young prospects in the Football West competition and has been in the club’s Pathway to Glory development programme for the past five months.

The talented 19 year old has a big future in the game and his silky skills have been admired by the crowds in the Football West Premier League, but he has only one thing on his mind, “At the moment I’ll take it as it comes, one step at a time is the cliché I believe. I’m overwhelmed with the Glory signing me.”

Micevski is one of the local talent the Glory are keeping tracks on, Micevski said there are number who are training with the Glory that could make the next step. “There are a number of players from the state league training with the Glory squad, John Higgins has been very impressive also Joeys keeper Alex Vrteski has performed well and both could make the next step and be looked at next season.”

The Glory also announced the signing of central defender, Ryan Townsend, who has been training with the club since his departure from English Championship side Burnley last year. Born in Manchester, England, and raised in Perth before moving to Burnley, 20 year old Townsend has represented Australia’s U20 side three times, scoring against Japan in the recent World Youth Championships in the Netherlands.

The departure of Daniel Vasilevski has allowed Townsend to sign until the end of the current season. Glory coach Alan Vest said: “Ryan was at Burnley and the only reason he is not there now is because his previous club demanded a development fee for him but I understand that issue has now been cleared up.

“He is an U20 international for Australia and he has been training with us off his own back for some time now so we feel this is a good opportunity for Ryan to show us what he can do for Perth Glory.”

Both Micevski and Townsend should be available for Glory’s match against Queensland Roar at Members Equity Stadium on Saturday although Townsend’s deal is subject to international clearance, which is expected in the next couple of days.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!