Perth Glory coach Richard Garcia is calling on his injury-hit team's youngsters to rise to the challenge ahead of Saturday's crucial A-League Men's clash against fellow strugglers Brisbane.
Tuesday's goalless draw against Central Coast means last-placed Glory have now gone six matches without a win despite returning home to Western Australia for their last three fixtures.
Brisbane meanwhile secured a vital 2-1 win against Wellington last weekend to end a three-match losing run but Warren Moon's team are yet to win on the road in 2021-22 and sit just one point above the Glory on the ladder.
Brandon O'Neill's shoulder injury in a 2-0 loss to Sydney means the Glory captain joins a casualty ward that already includes Andy Keogh, Kosuke Ota and English star recruit Daniel Sturridge.
None of that quartet are expected to be ready for Saturday's visit by the Roar, leaving Garcia relying on youth to spark his team's campaign back to life.
"The last three games that we've played, we've done quite well considering the age and relative inexperience of the group," Garcia said.
"You can tell every game that they're improving and pushing further towards being better, which is fantastic.
"Now it's about putting it together and finishing it off ... these guys are realising that they are in the competition now and they need to be performing week-in, week-out."
Saturday's game will also be a chance for veteran striker Bruno Fornaroli to sign off in style before he goes on international duty after his shock call-up for the Socceroos.
The Roar will be hoping for a big performance from midfielder Rahmat Akbari in what will be his final appearance before heading to Turkey to link up with the Afghanistan national team.
The 21-year-old scored in the win over the Phoenix and Moon said the call-up was reward for Akbari's development.
"His last two seasons are evident for everyone to see there was a very good footballer there, we just had to give him the opportunity to play at this level," Moon said.
"He's taken it with both hands and now he gets recognition for higher honours which is fantastic for him."
