Glory vs LOLington - Match Thread

VETERAN striker Vaughan Coveny has lashed out after being overlooked by head coach Ricki Herbert for today's crucial game against Perth Glory.

The 36-year-old, who captained the side during last weekend's hard-fought draw with the Mariners, has appeared twice this season for the Phoenix.

But when the squad was announced on Tuesday, Coveny was the notable omission.

"I am pretty disappointed," he told Sunday News.

"I got 90 minutes last week and ran myself into the ground. I thought I was worthy of at least making the squad."

The news left Coveny questioning his future at the club but he's confident he can still perform at the top level.

"I've still got the passion, no matter what my age," he said.

"If I'm good enough I should be playing."

While the new A-League season has only just begun, Coveny also hinted it could be his last in Nix colours.

"The good thing is there are two new teams coming into the A-League," he said.

"That means there is an opportunity for 40 new players. I might look at going to one of those clubs.

"Wellington is my home town and I'd love to finish my career here but if I'm not getting my chances, it might not be the case."

The veteran has also questioned Herbert's tactics, saying the club is short of options on attack.

"We sometimes play with only one up front. It worked in the pre-season but then we had that dreadful start," he said.

"Shane (Smeltz), Greg Draper and I are the only recognised strikers at the club.

"Adam Kwasnik has played in that role but he's not an out and out striker."

It seems Herbert has decided to revert back to relying on Smeltz on his own, as Coveny remained behind for the long trip to Perth.

The Phoenix go into today's game at Members Equity Stadium knowing defeat will consign them to the bottom of the A-League ladder.

That said, the Glory have hardly set the competition alight either.

Having leaked 12 goals this season the worst in the competition they are stranded at the bottom of the table on a solitary point. This has surprised Coveny.

"In the old NSL, Perth was the toughest place to go and get points," he said.

"I remember the heated atmosphere in front of 17,000 of their fans. It was intimidating. They've surprised me in the past few years - I've expected more from them."

And one of the Glory's star players, midfielder Adriano Pellegrino, knows the team have let down their staunch backers this season.

"The supporters are going to be very disappointed in us, especially losing at home, but I think we can definitely fix mistakes that we've made," he told Sunday News.

"I'm sure we can iron out the silly errors and produce a good performance against Wellington this weekend."