It was the West but not as youngsters Kwabena Appiah-Kubi and Reece Caira knew it.
It was the West but not as youngsters Kwabena Appiah-Kubi and Reece Caira knew it.
Both players were equally shocked to discover they would be called upon to play against Perth Glory on Thursday after being notified of by coach Tony Popovic the night before.
“I-m really happy that the manager had confidence in me to give me my first start and I was pleased with how I went,” Appiah-Kubi said.
His surprise selection in the Hyundai A-League starting line-up was met with some expectations too, particularly in his battle with Glory-s veteran Dean Heffernan.
“In the first ten minutes he gave me a few nudges which I thought would happen but after that I got used to it and it was a pretty good test,” he said.
The 20-year-old showcased his blistering pace and willingness to attack, and hopes his performance will encourage him to work harder for more opportunities to start for the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers.
“I need to show more of what I can do and I can-t wait for the next chance,” he said.
His excitement was mirrored by fellow teammate and Young Socceroo, Caira, who made his first A-League debut.
The former Aston Villa junior said it was a good feeling to finally be on the field.
“I thought I did okay but I just wanted to make sure I did all I could for the team when I was on there,” he said.
Caira looked dangerous almost immediately off the bench coming on for Jason Trifiro in the 76th minute.
With his first touch of the ball, the versatile defender took a run inside the box and had chance to make it two for the Wanderers.
Like Appaiah-Kubi, the 19-year-old appreciates the opportunity he was given and is looking forward to building on that for inclusion in future fixtures.
“If I can keep going the way I have been then hopefully I-ll get another chance like I did this time around,” Caira said.
The Wanderers- next home game is against Melbourne Victory FC at 6.15pm on January 1 at Parramatta Stadium.
Kids will be allowed in for free for all Wanderers games in January.
