Brian Farrell is steadily working his way towards full fitness while adapting to the new role he’s been handed by coach Andy Keogh.   The 29-year old has featured in midfield throughout his career but on the weekend was deployed in the somewhat unfamiliar right-back role against Perth Glory.

And if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, it was also his first start in eleven weeks.   “It’s pleasing to be back out there on the park with the guys,” said Farrell, who hadn’t featured since injuring his hamstring in early April’s defeat of Joondalup United.   “Hopefully I can contribute and finish the season strong, both personally and with the team.”

“Overall I was happy with my performance on the weekend but I still have some things to work on while I’m learning the position.   I played at right back for a short time when I was a kid but it has been a while since then.   It’s a new challenge for me and, hopefully, I can keep the mistakes to a minimum and do what I can for the team.”

Farrell has endured a tough time since limping from the field shortly before half-time against Joondalup.   “I missed a couple of months with the hamstring injury,” he explained.   “I wasn’t expecting to be out for that length of time but had a couple of setbacks when I was back in training.”

“I worked with (club physiotherapist) Katie (Holtham) to first repair the tear and then I had to strengthen the hamstring back up in the gym.   There’s a weakness in the hamstring so I’ll be doing on-going strengthening work to prevent any further problems.   I feel relatively fit and the match fitness will improve with more game time.”