Gold Coast Knights goalkeeper Josh Langdon hoping to take A-League step after joining Perth’s national youth league side

JOSH Langdon is treating every Perth Glory opportunity as his last as he fights to make his professional dream a reality with the A-League premiers.

JOSH Langdon is treating every Perth Glory opportunity as his last as he fights to make his professional dream a reality with the A-League premiers.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly

A key part of the Gold Coast Knights squad that won the NPL grand final in September, the 20-year-old goalkeeper arrived in Perth two weeks ago after being handed a contract for the 10-round national youth league beginning this weekend.

The Glory chance, which is likely to extend into the Western Australian NPL next season, comes after Langdon impressed club officials during their visit to the Coast for the inaugural Surf City Cup in August-September.

THE ONE FACTOR GIVING ROBINA PREMIER LEAGUE EDGE

He trained with Perth during the five-day A-League pre-season tri-series and has continued that exposure alongside experienced Glory shotstoppers Liam Reddy and Tando Valephi since arriving in WA.

With Sunday’s Y-League opener against Adelaide now looming, The Southport School product said he was desperate to make the most of his chance in the west.

“I was absolutely ecstatic to get the opportunity. It’s always been a dream of mine to take football professionally and this is kind of the next step,” said Langdon, who spent two seasons with the Knights after making his senior NPL debut for Gold Coast City at the age of 16.

Josh Langdon has joined Perth’s national youth league team. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Now we’re into an A-League environment, which is challenging but it’s an exciting opportunity. It gives me a chance to test myself and see what I’m worth and in the next coming years maybe pursue a first-team spot in the A-League and beyond.

“I know I’ll be here definitely here for the NYL season and most likely the NPL as well. I’ve been training with the first team every day since I’ve been here.

HOW COOMERA SEALED HENRIQUE DEAL

“I think I’ve been doing pretty well. Obviously I’m (training) with players like Liam Reddy and Tando Valephi, who have been professionals for 10-15 years, and what I’m liking is that I can watch and learn and am able to really improve my game as much as I can from those players.

“(How long I stay) is very reliant on how I go. Obviously if I go well there might be something long term.”

Langdon in action for Gold Coast Knights.

A Robina City and Palm Beach NPL junior, Langdon warmed up for Sunday’s Y-League fixture with a four-day trip to Singapore to face the national under-23 team last night.

Having temporarily moved in with family friends in Perth, he admitted it had been a whirlwind few weeks but said it was part and parcel of chasing his football goals.

“It is tough moving away from family. This is the first time I’ve moved out of home but it’s also exciting to try something new,” he said.

EAGLES LAND ONE OF COAST FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST NAMES

“I thought I had a pretty good season with the Knights in the NPL. When Perth came over for the Surf City Cup I got invited to train with them for a couple of sessions.

“A few people from the Knights were pushing me towards Perth as well, which was helpful. Their goalkeeping coach, Danny Milosevic, ended up giving me a call to say ‘come over and play in the NYL’. I was over the moon.”