The Nix got beat 4-2 by the Western Australian side last Friday and will test themselves against an impressive Melbourne City on Saturday night in Auckland.
But the nature of the beast dictates that their results will be patchy - especially as Talay has handed a number of youngsters a chance in the first team. Liberato Cacace is probably the most impressive of the young bunch, but forward Callum McCowatt has come on in leaps and bounds since starting his first season of professional football.
Impressive Lad
“Cal’s a very good player,” said Talay. “He’s good on the ball and defensively does a lot of work off the ball. He’s still young and this is his first full season as a professional and when they’re young there’ll be inconsistency at times, so for me I wear that as a coach but they have the talent and I give them the opportunity to play.”
McCowatt has made 15 appearances in the A-League this season, but all the focus going into the City game will be on his older teammate Gary Hooper.
Hooper has a very good record across the British leagues and was brought to Wellington to score the goals that will get them into the top six and possibly more. He provided two against the Glory as a substitute and is desperate to start on Saturday night.
Melbourne don’t have a great defensive record and Talay confirmed that Hooper will be in the first XI. “He (Hooper) did well last week, I’ll start him tomorrow evening and hopefully he can do it again this week.”
Made to Wait
One other player who is in with a shot at making the side is summer acquisition Matti Steinmann. Steinmann has been a key member of the midfield but was ill last week and couldn’t take part in the game.
However, those fears have been allayed and the German will be in with a chance of making the side. Talay is known with sticking with those who are in possession of the shirt and Steinmann might have to wait for his chance.
But Steinmann does keep the midfield ticking over nicely so Talay is going to have another tough choice on his hands before the big game.