Danny Allsopp says he wants to repay Melbourne Victory’s faith in him the best way he knows possible – by scoring goals.
Danny Allsopp says he wants to repay Melbourne Victory’s faith in him the best way he knows possible – by scoring goals.
The 32-year-old striker made his Hyundai A-League return with 56 minutes off the bench in Victory’s midweek loss to Wellington and is pressing hard for a starting berth in Sunday-s blockbuster against Adelaide United at AAMI Park.
“I’m feeling pretty good. It’s just a matter of getting that match fitness back and I’ve still got a bit of improvement to go,” Allsopp said.
“I’ve got to take it game by game, each training session I get a little bit better and as each game passes I know I will keep improving.”
Allsopp is three weeks into his second spell at Victory having enjoyed stints with Qatar club Al-Rayyan and United States MLS outfit D.C United.
While reflecting fondly on his time overseas, Allsopp also expressed his delight at being back with the club he scored 36 goals in 89 appearances for.
“I’m really appreciative that I got given another opportunity here. I love this club and hoping to continue from where I left off,” Allsopp said.
“You’re never sure what the situation is going to be at the club, people move on, but luckily they had a spot for me.”
A popular figure with the Victory faithful, Allsopp, a former Hyundai A-League golden boot winner, wants to make an immediate contribution against the Reds.
“You always feel responsibility when you go on the pitch, my job’s to try and be dangerous for our side and score goals, that never changes it’s the same job no matter what players are around you,” Allsopp said.
“We’ve had a good run against Adelaide, and hopefully try to make it 11 straight wins (against them), I’m looking forward to getting out there and having the chance to bounce back from last week.”
With Robbie Kruse on Asian Cup duty and Archie Thompson out for at least another three weeks due to his hamstring injury, Allsopp is well-aware he’s coming back at a key period in Victory’s season.
“It’s an important time for us going into the finals, mostly it’s about contributing for the team and this time of the season,” Allsopp said.
“I’ve just got to settle myself back into the team, hopefully that doesn’t take too long. We’re all playing for Melbourne Victory and trying to win.”
In other team news, captain Kevin Muscat and the versatile Mate Dugandzic are back in the squad at the expense of Matthew Kemp and Tom Pondeljak, both of whom are not 100 percent fit according to coach Ernie Merrick.
