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Tony Popovic says his focus is on Perth Glory players who have committed to seeing out the A-League campaign rather than the impact of Diego Castro's absence.
Perth coach Tony Popovic has bristled at suggestions the Glory will take time to find their feet without Diego Castro, saying they've moved on without the A-League great.
Popovic's revamped side made a satisfying return to action against Central Coast Mariners with a 1-0 win but are sure to be fully tested by Wellington Phoenix at Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday.
Glory can leapfrog the Kiwi club into third place if victorious, which would in turn hand Wellington a second-straight defeat after their 3-1 loss to Sydney FC.
It will be a good gauge for the Perth fresh attacking unit, with Jake Brimmer likely to again be fielded further forward in place of the absent Castro while Popovic's teenage sons - 18-year-old midfielder Kristian and 16-year-old striker Gabriel (16) - are in line to start again.
There could be a change if the coach deems Nick D'Agostino ready to resume up front, having lashed the young marksman last week for a lack of fitness upon return from lockdown.
Popovic was not impressed when asked if he was satisfied with how his players had adjusted in their first game without veteran Castro.
The Spanish midfield wizard announced last week he would not join Glory at their NSW Hub because of COVID-19 health fears.
His absence wasn't an issue, as far as Popovic was concerned, pointing out there were other adjustments to make because of the departures of defensive imports Gregory Wuthrich and Kim Soo-Beom, along with injuries to mainstays such as Chris Ikonomidis.
"If it wasn't for these questions, I wouldn't even speak about this any more," Popovic said.
"We've just played a game of football and I'd like to think there are some better statements and questions to make.
"Maybe (goalscoring defender) Dane Ingham playing, maybe Kristian, an 18-year-old playing, maybe a 16-year-old starting up front. Maybe Jake Brimmer (22) playing.
"I think there are other things we could discuss, which are positive from the match, instead of keep looking back."
Popovic said his experienced core led the way in Gosford, heaping praise on 34-year-old Neil Kilkenny, who has assumed the captaincy from Castro.
"He's been a leader from the outset, since I've been at the club," Popovic said of Kilkenny.
"I think it shone throughout the game in the way he performed."
Wellington coach Ufuk Talay is likely to consider changes, including starting spots for underdone star imports Ulises Davila and Gary Hooper.
Both came off the bench against Sydney.
Ball-winning midfielder Cameron Devlin is also set to return after missing the restart through suspension.
