It's been far from a success but Daniel Sturridge could finish his underwhelming Perth Glory stint on a high note as the Englishman nears a return from injury.
Sturridge has managed just 93 minutes across five A-League Men's appearances for the Glory with the ex-Liverpool striker not sighted since limping off against Macarthur FC on February 23 with a groin injury.
Glory chief executive Tony Pignata indicated earlier this week bottom-placed Glory were almost certain to not offer the 32-year-old a deal beyond this season, saying the move "hasn't worked".
While Sturridge will once again be unavailable for Glory's clash with Adelaide United on Sunday, coach Ruben Zadkovich is hopeful the former England international is a chance to make his first start in Glory colours for the club's penultimate fixture against Western Sydney in Perth on April 30.
"He's a big chance to start next weekend," Zadkovich said.
"He's been training really well.
"He's obviously put in a lot of hard yards while we've been away, trying to get himself back to the level where he can go out there and perform.
"It looks like he's got himself in that position again.
"Touch wood, if we have another strong week training next week, he'll put himself in a position where maybe we can get a start next week."
Sturridge not only playing for Glory before the end of the season but starting would be a huge boost to the ailing club, who are almost certain to pick up the first wooden spoon in their history.
A 6-0 thrashing by Western United in Tasmania last Saturday extended Glory's winless run to 14 games and has them eight points adrift of second-last Brisbane on the ladder with just three matches to play.
Zadkovich said having Sturridge sign off in front of Glory fans against the Wanderers and then Melbourne City would be a rare highlight in an otherwise miserable campaign.
"It'll be exciting, if we can get him on the pitch and start a game at home," Zadkovich said.
"Obviously, it's been a very difficult year for everyone involved, including Daniel himself.
"If we can achieve that next week and get him out there in front of the fans, that would be a great thing for everyone."
