Kean hopeful of Derby squad inclusions

kruse

Victory Head Coach Steve Kean is hoping to include two returning players in the squad for Sunday’s Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park.

Robbie Kruse and Nick Ansell are in contention for the behind-closed-doors fixture, which will be the Club’s final match of the 2020/21 A-League season.

Returning players

“We potentially have another two additions which is good,” Kean said.

“We lose Dylan Ryan but Kruse and Ansell both trained well today.

“Hopefully they don’t have any setbacks and then they will be available for Sunday,” he said.

The likely inclusion of Kruse would bolster Kean’s attacking options, where in-form Elvis Kamsoba is hoping to retain his place.

Kamsoba

“Elvis seems to be settled and is sticking to what he is asked to do in the areas he is asked to attack,” said Kean.

Kamsoba has scored three goals in his last four appearances, most recently a brace in the 6-1 win over Western United.

“When you know you’re getting a run in the team you relax at the right time, and I don’t mean switch off, I mean to play without anxiety or nerves.

“He probably feels more of a first choice at the moment and that has brought consistency to his play,” Kean said.

Motivation

Victory heads into this weekend’s Derby aiming to build on last Friday’s result against Western, the Club’s first three points against the green and black.

“The way we’ve been playing, I don’t think extra motivation is anything we have to rally.

“If we can take it up a notch from the last game, there’s no reason why we can’t achieve a positive result,” said the Head Coach.

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