Matthew Spiranovic hits the training pitch for Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Phillip Rogers Source: DailyTelegraph
WANDERERS boss Tony Popovic has hailed the signing of Matthew Spiranovic, but warned that the 25-year-old is unlikely to be pushing for a start immediately with the new season just days away.
Spiranovic trained with his new teammates yesterday after inking a deal through to the end of the season, having given up on hopes of a move to Europe for the immediate term.
The defender, last capped a year ago for his country, trained with the Wanderers in the winter and now will go head to head with Michael Beauchamp and Nikolai Topor-Stanley for a position at the heart of the Wanderers’ defence.
"He adds a lot of depth – we’ve got quality centrebacks already but he adds a lot of competition," Popovic said. "To do well in both the A-League and the Asian Champions League, we need that depth.
"Matt trained with us for a little while and fitted in well but at the time there was no thought of us having the opportunity to sign him. But as the last few weeks progressed he became available to us, and I’m sure he’ll fit in very quickly as he knows the players and how we work.
"He’s a player who wants to go to the World Cup, and we’re sure his qualities will be shown throughout the year. We can help him to be the best he can, and the rest is up to Holger."
Popovic said he had yet to gauge his new defender’s match readiness, but noted the time since he had last trained significantly.
"We’ll assess him in the next 10 days but he’s had no football for a while – it’s four or five weeks since he trained with us," Popovic said.
"His fitness wasn’t bad then, but his mindset was different. Now he’s part of us and it shouldn’t take too long."
