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Mebrahtu ready for Perth test

Mebrahtu’s frightening pace and quick feet were a constant threat and it was the 21-year-old who won United’s penalty late in the first half when he lured Diogo Ferreira into a clumsy challenge. 

The speedy youngster remembers well his last visit to the west when Gold Coast overcame Glory 2-1 at the tail end of last season. Mebrahtu won United a penalty but injured his shoulder in the process, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign and sparking a horror run of injuries that have hindered his game time until just recently,

“That game (in Perth) was a bitter-sweet to say the least. No player wants to get injured but if it’s going to happen then I guess winning a penalty in the process does help the team out,” Mebrahtu said.

“I had a good pre-season this year then three days before the first game I injured my ankle. I recovered from that only to pick up a back problem a few weeks later. So for me to get back out there against Melbourne Heart and then to start last week against Victory has been a real boost.

“The word everyone uses when they talk about injuries is frustration, and that’s exactly how it feels. The main thing is that I'm back on track now and I'm looking forward to playing as much as I can. Thankfully I’m over my injury issues now.”

Mebrahtu, a devout Christian, says his faith not only helped through the rough times on the treatment table, but also inspires him to make the best possible use of his natural talents as he looks to build on a promising start to his career.

“I thank God for the fact that I'm where I am in both my career and my life. During the injury period I just kept persevering and hopefully it’s starting to pay off now,” he said.

“Confidence is a big thing and of course it builds when you do some good things during the game. You have to have self-belief and I also believe that God gave me my abilities so it’s up to me to use them in the best way possible. 

“As time goes by you get experience and that makes you more comfortable on the field. Miron has given me freedom to play the way I play and the rest of the squad has been very supportive,” he added.

United flew to Perth earlier than normal this week with the team departing first thing Wednesday morning to give the players as much time as possible to recover from the arduous journey and prepare for what is a vital match.

On the plane were young forward James Brown and defender Dylan McGowan who both returned from Olyroos duty at the start of the week. But injury doubts hover over Dutch duo Paul Beekmans (foot) and Peter Jungschlager (ankle) with the pair picking up knocks in last weekend’s visit to Melbourne.

Jonas Salley is set to continue in the centre of the park and defender Ante Rozic is back in contention for a starting place despite a minor reaction to his knee troubles at training yesterday.

The two sides in Saturday’s clash will also compete for the Iron Ore Cup, a perpetual trophy between the two teams created by Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer and Glory owner Tony Sage. United currently have possession of the cup after overcoming Perth 2-1 the last time the two clubs met.

Hyundai A-League Week 9 - Saturday 3 December 2011
PERTH GLORY v GOLD COAST UNITED

At nib Stadium, Perth
Kick off: 9.00pm QLD, 7:00pm local
Referee: Strebre Delovski

Twitter: HALpggcu

TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 1

Gold Coast United Squad:
1.Glen Moss [gk], 3.Michael Thwaite (c), 4.Zac Anderson, 5.Kristian Rees, 6.Paul Beekmans, 7.Golgol Mebrahtu, 12.Dylan Macallister, 13.Ante Rozic, 14.Ben Halloran, 15.Adama Traore, 16.Maceo Rigters, 17.Chris Harold, 18.James Brown, 20.Jerrad Tyson [gk], 21.Daniel Severino, 22.Peter Jungschlager, 23.Dylan McGowan, 24.Jonas Salley, 29.Mitch Bevan.
*four to be omitted*

In: 18.James Brown, 23.Dylan McGowan (return from international duty), 21.Daniel Severino (promoted), 4.Zac Anderson (promoted).
Out: None.
Unavailable: 9.Joel Porter (calf – 3 weeks), 19.Chris Broadfoot (ankle injury – 6 weeks).

Perth Glory squad:

1.Danny Vukovic[(gk], 2.Josh Mitchell, 3.Bas van den Brink, 4.Billy Mehmet, 5.Steve Pantelidis, 7.Jacob Burns (c), 8.Adam Hughes, 9.Shane Smeltz, 10.Liam Miller, 14.Steven McGarry, 15.Tommy Amphlett, 17.Todd Howarth, 18. Jesse Makarounas, 19.Josh Risdon, 21.Mile Sterjovski, 25.Trent McClenahan, 27.Andrezinho, 30.Lewis Italiano [gk]
**three to be omitted**

In: 5.Steve Pantelidis (.returns from injury), 10.Liam Miller (returns from suspension), 18.Jesse Makarounas (promoted), 21.Mile Sterjovski.
Out: None.
Unavailable: 6.Chris Coyne (achilles – 3 months), 11.Victor Sikora (hip – long term injury list), 12.Scott Neville (knee), 13.Travis Dodd (hamstring - 2 weeks),16.Evan Berger (hamstring – 5-weeks), 20.Neil Young (abdominal).

Head-to-Head: All matches (played 6): Perth Glory wins 0, Gold Coast United wins 4 (2 draws)