Young Melbourne Victory fullback Scott Galloway has identified his club’s depth as a key element of its title aspirations.
Comprised of a relatively understrength side, Melbourne registered its first clean sheet in 22 outings with a 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix on Monday night.
Centre-halves Adrian Leijer (suspension) and Matthieu Delpierre (injury), and striker Besart Berisha (injury) were unavailable following Wednesday night’s FFA Cup exit to Perth Glory, while full-back Daniel Georgievski also lost his place through suspension.
Midfielders Mark Milligan and Leigh Broxham were forced into a makeshift central defensive pairing with 19-year-old Dylan Murnane taking his place at left back, but the changes were not enough to deny a solid Victory performance on the night.
“The quality of the squad, anyone can step in to any position when need be,” Galloway said on Thursday morning.
“This week we had to do that with suspension and injuries so credit to all the boys that have been played out of position. They did fantastic and they kept a clean sheet and that’s what we wanted.”
The 19-year-old was named in the 22-man Olyroos squad which will will travel to China for matches against Brazil, China and Korea Republic in a Four-Nations International Friendly tournament held from November 14 to 18, 2014.
The Western Australian said he couldn’t wait to test himself against some of the best young talent in the world.
“It’s an honour to play for your country, it’s going to be a fantastic tournament as well, especially the likes of Brazil,” he said.
“You never know, you could be playing on the next Neymar.”
Fellow youngsters Jason Geria and Connor Pain will accompany Galloway in China, while Milligan (Socceroos), Georgievski (Macedonia) and Kosta Barbarouses (New Zealand) will represent their respective nations during upcoming friendlies.
The former AIS product believes his side has what it takes to successfully adapt to forced changes, with the sternest test coming in round 6 when Victory will be without up to six first-team regulars to face Sydney FC.
“It is tough, especially at a club like Victory where we have so many internationals,” he said.
“But that’s a credit to the club to have so many good young and senior players coming through. It definitely takes its toll but with our depth in the squad we can make do when players are away like on the weekend.”
Leijer and Georgievski will be available for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium having served their suspensions while international marquee Besart Berisha is expected to make a return from injury.