Glory's Risdon no certainty for Socceroos
Sep 19, 2016 - 6:36 AM Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe knows Josh Risdon, is a super player - but he doesn't want the star defender to be at the A-League club next season.Risdon has established himself as one of the Glory's best players in recent seasons, and he's a strong chance to be announced as the club's new captain.
The 24-year-old is also starting to make a splash on the international stage, featuring three times for the Socceroos.
Risdon considered a move to Europe at the end of last season, before deciding to re-sign with Glory for one more year.
Lowe is rapt to have retained the services of Risdon for another campaign.
But he wants to see Risdon go on to bigger and better things next year.
"He's a super player," Lowe said.
"I was chatting to him today. I said, 'I don't want to see you at this time next year'.
"I don't want you here. Because if he's not here, it means he's got a good move somewhere."
Risdon faces a nervous wait to see whether he earns selection in the Socceroos' 23-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Japan.
The West Australian was initially left out of the squad for recent wins against Iraq and UAE, but he earned a late call-up once Bailey Wright was ruled out with a toe injury.
However, with Milos Degenek and Ryan McGowan ahead of him in the right-back pecking order, Risdon didn't feature in either of those games, and he faces a fight just to retain his spot in the squad.
Lowe said Risdon's huge potential meant a successful Socceroos career beckoned.
"If Rizzo wants to go to a World Cup, he'll go," Lowe said.
"That will be his choice, because he will have worked hard to earn it."
Meanwhile, Glory will ramp up their pre-season preparations when they take on Brisbane Roar at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday afternoon.
Lowe will unleash a near full-strength team for the friendly, although underdone duo Adam Taggart and Diego Castro are only expected to play between 45-60 minutes.
Glory kick off their season at home to Central Coast on October 8.
Source: AAP
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