Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Anna Harrington

Victory boss uncertain on availability of Olyroos pair

Tony Popovic could be without his two Olyroos stars for the Victory's trip to face Macarthur FC. (Will Murray/AAP PHOTOS)

Coach Tony Popovic has expressed concerns over the Olyroos match loading of two of Melbourne Victory's young guns amid concerns they could struggle to back up against Macarthur FC.

Australia's U23 side headed to Saudi Arabia for two friendlies during the international break.

In-form Victory duo Ryan Teague and Nishan Velupillay came off the bench against Qatar then played 90 and 60 minutes respectively in the win over Saudi Arabia.

The Bulls' Raphael and Jake Hollman were also involved but only came off the bench in Tuesday night's (Wednesday AEDT) game.

"We're honoured and proud that our players are selected for the Olyroos. We want to see them flourishing at that level and the international experience is priceless," Popovic told AAP and ESPN on Thursday.

"Probably the disappointing part for me is that we're the only game that's playing on Friday night, us and Macarthur, and they have two boys there as well.

"They're friendly games that I thought that the loading could have been managed differently. Because now they're arriving this morning in Sydney."

Popovic indicated it would be difficult for Teague and Velupillay to start in Campbelltown.

"We've actually tried to help the players recover," he said.

"We've sent a staff member to Sydney to pick them up at the airport, take them out west to the hotel, give them a little training session, monitor the nutrition, hydration, massages.

"We'll do everything we can to make them available and it's hard for me to say at the moment until I see them.

"But really, for two young players that have never been regulars. Never played senior football, I really find it difficult to understand how these boys are expected to start on Friday.

"... I thought that could have been managed differently but we have to accept what it is, albeit I'm disappointed by it."

Ryan Teague.
Midfielder Ryan Teague has started all four ALM games for the Victory this season.

Victory approached FA with their concerns in the weeks before the friendly.

"They took that information on board," Popovic said.

"Obviously they did what they think is best for the national team and I'd like to hope that (Olyroos coach) Tony Vidmar and his staff are expecting Ryan and Nishan to be able to play fresh, fit, available on Friday night.

"I'm sure the FA and Tony Vidmar has a staff that will leave no stone unturned and the welfare and wellbeing of the players will be paramount in their thoughts.

"And I'm confident that they have taken all that into consideration - hence why they played them on Tuesday."

Victory will regain Roderick Miranda from suspension against Macarthur, while Adama Traore is in the mix to return from a hamstring injury.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.