3 minute read

Striker Nicholas D'Agostino hopes his heroics for the Olyroos will help him earn more A-League game time at Perth Glory.

After qualifying his country for the Olympics Nicholas D'Agostino has set his sights on cracking another tough nut - breaking into Glory's star-studded side.

D'Agostino's amazing solo effort at the AFC Under-23 championships in Thailand helped secure Australia's spot at the Olympics for the first time in 12 years.

The 21-year-old squeezed past three defenders and fired truly from the edge of the box to lift Australia to the 1-0 win against Uzbekistan in the third-placed playoff.

D'Agostino was showered with praise and admiration after his heroics, but it was straight back down to business upon arriving back in Perth earlier this week.

The speedy striker moved from Brisbane to Perth Glory during the off-season in the hope of reaching his potential under master coach Tony Popovic.

Hip and Achilles injuries have limited D'Agostino to just 15 minutes of action so far this season, and he'll face a weekly fight just to earn a spot on the bench.

Bruno Fornaroli, Diego Castro, Chris Ikonomidis and Joel Chianese all sit above D'Agostino in the attacking pecking order.

But D'Agostino is determined to squeeze his way in, and he hopes his Olyroos heroics will help his cause.

"I knew that before I signed for Perth that there were gong to be players ahead of me," D'Agostino said.

"But being a young player, when you get your chance you need to take it. Hopefully I can get a chance very soon and get on the score sheet.

"I've scored a few goals now (for the Olyroos), and with this confidence I'm bringing back from overseas, hopefully I can put away a few more."

Popovic was keeping his cards close to his chest when asked whether there was room for D'Agostino on the bench for Saturday night's clash with Melbourne Victory at HBF Park.

"We want competition for places," Popovic said.

"Seeing Nick perform the way he has is a joy for us, there's nothing negative about that."

Glory have won six and drawn one of their past seven games to shoot up to third spot, while Victory are languishing in eighth on the back of three straight A-League losses.

Victory's morale received a much-needed boost on Tuesday when they beat Kashima Antlers 1-0 in Japan to secure their spot in the Asian Champions League.

But the heavy travel schedule could take their toll on Victory, who will be without the suspended Leigh Broxham.

Victory will be boosted by New Zealand International Marco Rojas, who rejoined the club last week on a two-and-a-half year deal.