Glory A-League diamond to shine in Germany
Dec 20, 2017 - 6:21 AM Perth A-League coach Kenny Lowe has described Jacob Italiano as a diamond in the rough, but says the teen sensation needs plenty of polishing if he is to have a successful career.Italiano flew to Germany earlier this week to meet Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach.
The 16-year-old is set to commit to a multi-year deal with the club.
But he will remain with the Glory until the end of next season because of rules that don't allow Australian players to sign with overseas clubs until they are 18.
If the deal is confirmed, Monchengladbach will make a down payment on Italiano, as well as other payments for every time he plays for the Glory.
Italiano has starred since making his A-League debut in round seven, playing five-straight games - all starts.
The midfielder will miss Thursday night's clash with Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium because of his trip to Germany.
Lowe is full of praise for Italiano.
But he said the youngster couldn't afford to get carried away by his deal with a Bundesliga club.
"He's a kid with potential - that's all. He's not the finished article," Lowe said.
"He's a little diamond that's been cut out. There's a lot of polishing and cutting to go on before he's the finished article, before you bang it into the ring.
"It's not a given. It's not going to be, 'Right, there you go; you're going to be a pro for the next 16 years'.
He needs to grasp that opportunity ... and understand it's not the end - it's the beginning of his journey."
The Glory could be boosted by the return of trio Andy Keogh (groin), Alex Grant (hamstring), and Xavi Torres (groin) against Brisbane.
Star striker Adam Taggart (hamstring) could return next week.
The Roar also welcome back some reinforcements, with Luke DeVere, Nick D'Agostino and Corey Gameiro all a chance to play.
The Glory are sixth on the table after last week's 1-0 win over Wellington, while Brisbane are three points further adrift in ninth spot.
Source: AAP
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