Former Socceroo Neil Kilkenny ‘happy’ at Western United after controversial split with Perth Glory

Unwanted by Perth Glory, Western United’s Neil Kilkenny has a point to prove against his former club on Friday night.

Neil Kilkenny on the ball against Melbourne Victory: Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

A heart-to-heart conversation with Neil Kilkenny has Western United coach John Aloisi confident the fiery midfielder won’t let his emotions get the better of him against his former club Perth Glory on Friday night at AAMI Park.

Kilkenny was deemed surplus to requirements by Glory coach Richard Garcia about three-quarters of the way through last season and was not used for the rest of Perth’s campaign.

With his career on the line, the former Socceroo – who turns 36 next month – was given a chance by Aloisi to continue his A-League journey.

“We need him – he’s important for us,” Aloisi said of Kilkenny.

“Hopefully he’s not too fired up (against the Glory). I’ve spoken to Neil already about it.

“He was sensational last week … the way that he can start the play, the way that he coaches out there.

“He’s a leader in the middle of the park. As long as he keeps a clear head and I believe he will.”

Neil Kilkenny was among Western United’s better performers in a 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Kilkenny’s exit from Melbourne City prior to him joining the Glory was also bitter, but Aloisi isn’t concerned.

“I don’t know what happened in the past; I don’t care about what happened at other clubs. I know Neil personally and I know what Neil’s all about,” Aloisi said.

“All I care about is if Neil’s happy now, and he’s very happy, so that’s the most important thing for me.

“Neil’s one person that if he respects you, as a coach, as a person, I don’t think you’re going to get any issues out of Neil.

“So far Neil’s been great. He’s enjoying his time here and I’m sure he’s going to get better as he gets to know his teammates even more. He gets on well with everyone.”

United is keen to bounce back from a first-round 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory.

“We thought that we deserved more out of it. Where we can improve a little bit more is when we’re getting into those good areas in the final third, being a little bit calmer,” Aloisi said.

The Glory’s squad again includes A-League marquee man Daniel Sturridge, who was only used for the final five minutes of Perth’s 1-1 draw with Adelaide United at HBF Park last Saturday night.

Glory coach Garcia said the former Liverpool marksman would again be among the substitutes rather than be used from the opening whistle.

“It’s a slow build,” Garcia said.

“We’ve got to be ready to build Daniel up and make sure that he’s capable of playing a full game and that’s going to be done in the coming games.

“We’ll give him a little bit more time come Friday and then build up from there.”