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In-form Keogh eyes A-League title success

3 minute read

Perth Glory can secure a home A-League grand final with victory over Adelaide United in their semi-final at HBF Park.

ANDY KEOGH of Perth Glory in action during the A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and the Perth Glory at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.
ANDY KEOGH of Perth Glory in action during the A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and the Perth Glory at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

He's enjoying a golden season with the boot but it's A-League championship success that Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh is craving the most.

Keogh's 15 goals this season has been the best return by a Glory player in the A-League era.

The 32-year-old's hot form played a key role in Perth snaring their first piece of A-League silverware - the Premiers Plate.

Now, coach Tony Popovic's charges have set their attention on winning the championship.

That quest begins on Friday night when they host Adelaide United in a semi-final at HBF Park.

If Glory win they will host a grand final at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium against Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory.

Keogh managed just six goals in 24 appearances last season.

But the arrival of Chris Ikonomidis and the skill of Diego Castro has helped Keogh rediscover his best form.

The Irishman said it had been nice to have such a strong season individually but it is team success that is driving him.

"Goals are one thing but winning trophies is another, so that's more important," Keogh said.

"As long as I'm contributing to helping the team achieve our overall goal, I'm happy.

"We've got a lot of variety (up front). It's all contributed to each other doing well and scoring goals and ultimately helping the team be successful."

Glory midfielder Neil Kilkenny remains in doubt for Friday's game after injuring his ankle at training last Saturday.

Perth have remained quiet on the extent of the injury and are set to give Kilkenny until the last minute to prove his fitness.

Keogh has only tasted one win in a final during his five seasons at Glory.

His best shot at title success was in 2014/15, when Glory started the season in stunning fashion before they were stripped of their spot in the finals because of serious salary cap breaches.

Popovic has taken less than one season to transform Glory into a title contender and Keogh is savouring the experience.

"It's nice when you're winning," he said.

"It makes life a lot easier.

"The downs are what make you more hungry for success and that's what teaches you a lot of things as well."

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