Liam Reddy impressed with Perth Glory’s new-look defence

Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy has praised his side’s new-look defence.

Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy issues instructions during their opening-round match against Brisbane Roar. Picture: AAP

Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy has praised his side’s new-look defence, and believes they will continue to improve in the coming weeks.

Glory’s back five in last week’s 1-1 draw with Brisbane was completely different from the defensive set-up that took the field in last season’s grand-final defeat to Sydney.

Alex Grant, Gregory Wuthrich, and Osama Malik formed the heart of the defence against Brisbane, while Joel Chianese and Brandon Wilson were used as wingbacks.

The quintet went within seconds of keeping a clean sheet, only for a late header from Roar’s new signing Roy O’Donovan to break the shackles.

Ivan Franjic, who was suspended last week, is expected to replace either Wilson or Chianese for Saturday’s clash with newcomers Western United in Geelong.

Reddy was pleased by the early display from the team’s revamped defensive unit.

“When you look at it from last season, it’s a totally new back five from the grand final. They did extremely well and will continue to get better,” Reddy said.

“I think our first 25, 30 minutes was some of the best football I’ve seen played here from my time at Glory.”

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Perth’s defence will be put to the test against a Western United outfit featuring Besart Berisha, Scott McDonald and Italian midfielder Alessandro Diamanti. Berisha scored in last week’s 1-0 win over the Phoenix in Wellington.

“With Berisha and McDonald and Diamanti, they look very dangerous,” Reddy said. “We’re going to have to be at our best. It will be a good battle for us.”

Meanwhile, Wellington Phoenix believe they may have made the club’s best-ever signing, coaxing former Celtic forward Gary Hooper to the A-League.

Hooper, 31, joins as a free agent after a career in English and Scottish football.

The Englishman will be hoping to recapture the form he had with the Glasgow giants between 2010 and 2013, where he won two titles and a golden boot.

Hooper has signed a one-season marquee deal and will most likely make his debut in round three against Perth Glory.

His signing raises hopes that the perennial A-League strugglers may be able to back up last year’s surprise appearance in the finals.

The Phoenix, who looked toothless and short on experience in a round-one loss to Western United, were delighted to unveil their star on Thursday.

“It’s been no secret that we’ve been searching incredibly hard for a striker this season,” said Wellington chief executive David Dome.

“We’re extremely pleased to sign someone of the highest calibre in Gary Hooper.

“His CV is on paper arguably the most impressive of any Wellington Phoenix player to date and I have no doubt he’ll contribute.

“I’m sure that football fans across New Zealand and Australia will be thrilled to see a player like Gary in action for Wellington.”

The reaction from fans on the social media website was overwhelmingly positive, with many fondly recalling Hooper’s spell with Celtic.

Hooper won the golden boot in 2011-12 — wearing the same No 88 shirt number he’ll don for the Phoenix — as Celtic claimed their first title in four campaigns. After another title the following season, Hooper left Scotland to play in the Premier League with Norwich City.

The wily striker has spent the last five campaigns in the second tier of English football, he was released by Sheffield Wednesday in May.

“I’m happy to be here in Wellington, it’s a new challenge for me and I’m really excited about being part of the Wellington Phoenix club,” Hooper said.

AAP