Ferguson talks up Wanderers

Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson remains confident his side have what it takes to down Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Wanderers stunned Adelaide United last time out, thrashing John Kosmina’s men 6-1 in a shock result.

Glory also tasted victory in week 12, securing their first away win of the season at Brisbane to set up a mouth-watering clash with the in-form Wanderers at Patersons Stadium on Thursday.

“They (Western Sydney) are a team that has made a lot of progress over the last nine or 10 games,” Ferguson said.

“They create a lot of chances and are very well organised.

“I thought it was only a matter of time before the goals started flowing for them because they’ve got good players in (Shinji) Ono, (Youssouf) Hersi and (Dino) Kresinger.

“They are a very strong and powerful side who are quick on the counter-attack and Mark Bridge is on fire at the moment as well, so it’s going to be a very tough game.

“But we’re looking forward to it.

“We’re coming off the back of two good results ourselves and we’re back at home, which is great and our confidence should be sky high.”

Ferguson said he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his side’s overall display at Suncorp Stadium last time out.

But he was full of praise for the character the visitors showed in weathering a second-half onslaught from a fired-up Roar outfit.

“We knew ourselves that we could have put a bit more pressure on Brisbane,” he said.

“But the humidity was something that we’ve not experienced this year and again, great credit to the players in how they showed that steely determination to make it difficult for the opposition.

“I felt we could have held the ball a little better at times and if there was one criticism, that would be it, but the effort they put in and not only that, the desperation they’ve shown to win that game, was really pleasing.

“That’s the best I’ve seen from a Perth Glory side in defending for at least 20 or 25 minutes in the second half.

“I thought for the first half and the first 10 minutes of the second we were really good and then they just put the pressure on us, but we dug deep and hung in there.

“There have been times this season when we’ve done really well in games and come away with no points, so to get three points at Suncorp for the first time since I’ve been at the club was really pleasing.”

Ferguson said he may make changes this week in a bid to counter the rigours of what is a hectic festive schedule.

“We’re considering freshening things up,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very tough period with three games within 10 days or so, so we’re going to have to use our squad and we’ll look to do that this week.”