Western United players finally paid overdue wages ahead of semi-final

Off-field turmoil won’t be used as an excuse by Western United players if they fail to reach the A-League grand final.

Western United players have received a boost ahead of their tough task in Saturday night’s A-League semi-final second-leg battle against Melbourne City, having been paid their overdue wages.

United was slapped with breach notices by Professional Footballers Australia on Tuesday from players who were owed wages and superannuation.

The PFA confirmed on Friday that monthly salaries had since been paid, although superannuation fees were still owed.

United coach John Aloisi said his players hadn’t let the turmoil affect them, and that there would be no excuses if his team failed to overturn City’s 3-0 first-leg lead at AAMI Park.

Western United coach John Aloisi says his players will have no excuses of they fail to reach the grand final. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“It (late pay) has happened more than once, so we’ve been able to deal with it in the past,” Aloisi said.

“The players won’t use it as an excuse. I’m sure they’ll be ready for (Saturday) night no matter what the news was during the week, because it’s news that got out but something that we’ve been dealing with internally for a period of time.

“My job, the whole year, even when we’ve gone through some difficult circumstances which have been there for a period of time, is to keep the boys focused on playing well and preparing well, and it’s been the same this week.

“We know it’s an uphill battle in terms of turning around three goals but the focus is just on winning the football game and seeing where that takes us.”

Teenage United defender Dylan Leonard said he “couldn’t care less” about being paid late.

“I’m getting to play in a semi-final against Melbourne City with an opportunity to go to play in a grand final in my first year of professional football, so I’m going to go out there, enjoy it and try to make the most of it,” Leonard said.

“The experienced boys in our team have made it clear that you don’t get to play in a semi-final very often.”

In a boost for United, star striker Noah Botic has fully recovered from a quad injury and is set to start after being restricted to a late cameo last Friday night.

Western United star Noah Botic has fully recovered from a quad injury. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

“He’s ready to go. He’s better for that 20 minutes had last week,” Aloisi said of Botic.

“It’s a big plus to have Noah feeling physically fit and mentally right. He’s feeling good about himself, he’s feeling sharp, and when a striker’s feeling sharp, you just want to get out on the pitch every time you can.”

City coach Aurelio Vidmar was expecting an onslaught from United.

“They’re going to throw everything at us, and you’d expect them to do that,” Vidmar said.

“We have to be ready mentally. Physically, we’re in a really good spot at the moment.”

“It’s going to be a fight. It always is.”

City is set to be boosted by the return of Socceroos right-back Nathaniel Atkinson, who has recovered from a calf problem.

Originally published as Western United players finally paid overdue wages ahead of semi-final