Grgic ready to go for season opener

Knights youngster Ivan Grgic says he’s confident he will be fit for the Club’s National Premier Leagues opener against Avondale FC, as the defender recovers from an injury that sidelined him for the back end of last season.

 

Speaking to melbourneknights.com.au after re-signing ahead of the 2015 campaign, Grgic also believes there’s a chance he could be fit for the annual Friendship Cup with Sydney United on January 25th.

 

“Yeah, [the recovery] has been pretty good,” the 18-year-old said.

 

“I’ve been in touch with Macca (Ian McArthur) and another physio. I’ve just been taking it easy and trying to do the extra work that will get me ready for the season. It’s been a bit frustrating at times – some days you feel good, other days you feel bad – but I’ve just got to stay confident and don’t let it get to me.

 

“I’ve been training last week, so hopefully I’ll be right for the Friendship Cup game which is probably where I hope to be. But worst case, it might flare up a bit and I might have to wait until the season but I should be ready for the season, 100%.”

 

Grgic, another member of the senior squad who has a long-term affiliation with the Club, said he was thrilled to re-commit to the Knights ahead of the new season, and said he was grateful the coaching staff had invested faith in him.

 

“I’m pretty happy – it’s always a Club I’ve supported,” Grgic said.

 

“It’s good to have the coaches happy with what I did last year, so it’s good to see they’ve got faith in me and I hope I can re-pay the faith and contribute to the team this year.”

 

Looking towards the upcoming season, the young defender said that trying to keep a regular spot in Andrew Marth’s first XI was his first priority, while also striving for overall team success.

 

“I came into the squad as a younger player and being just wrapped to be a part of the team and just training.

 

“When the opportunity arose, I got a chance and I was lucky enough to take it and I hope I can build on that this year and become a consistent first team player and keep contributing.

 

“I just want to continue my performances, continue to try to secure a first team spot and – at the end of the day we all want team success, so whatever that be – making finals or getting a Dockerty Cup or FFA Cup berth, that’s what we’re looking for as a team.”

 

Even though Grgic earned his senior spot during the injury plague that hindered the Club’s league aspirations last season, he was quick to acknowledge the huge impact the return of those players would have on the squad once they returned.

 

“Yeah, it’s vital (to have them back).

 

“It’s good to have a large squad of 20, so without the boys, there’s not as much competition for places and people can get complacent, so if everyone’s on their toes every week and there’s a competitive environment there, its more likely that there’s going to be more improvement from each individual which will only benefit the team.”

 

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