March 27, 2015 11:55:20 UK
Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic is delighted with the contribution he’s getting from striker Kerem Bulut, who he admits is nowhere near fully-fit.
The 23-year-old has caught the eye since arriving at the club on 13th January and scored twice as Wanderers won 4-1 away to Brisbane Roar on Wednesday.
Fans knew they had acquired a decent player when he scored twice on his debut in the 4-3 defeat to Sydney FC, and he now has four goals in as many games.
He’s a goalscorer; he shows that – he’s always on the spot to finish and he’s always dangerous.
Tony Popovic
His first goal at Suncorp Stadium against the Roar came at an important time, just after Western Sydney had conceded an equaliser to the defending champions.
He restored their lead right on half time, and sealed the three points with another crisp finish in the final minute to take the club off the bottom of the table.
Popovic said: “He’s a goalscorer; he shows that – he’s always on the spot to finish and he’s always dangerous.
“His fitness is nowhere near where it should be; he had a seven month layoff so he’s at times running on empty. But he’s got great enthusiasm and he just wants to score.”
Bulut, though born in Sydney and having played his youth football with Sydney FC, had never played a senior game in Australia until he joined Wanderers in the transfer window.
He left for Czech club Mlada Boleslav in 2010 and then played for Akhisar Belediyspor and Karsiyaka in Turkey.
Wanderers’ bid to hold off Newcastle Jets and avoid the A-League wooden spoon continues on Saturday when they travel to former long-time leaders Perth Glory.
Popovic believes his side are finally starting to get the rub of the green, towards the end of a tough season.
“In patches we’ve been very good this season,” he added. “I keep saying it, we’re playing good football but we keep getting punished for our mistakes and we keep having to come from behind.”
Western Sydney are 5.25 to beat Perth Glory, who are 1.65 with the draw 3.80.
Stubbins’ side go into the game with the boost of having re-signed young attacking utility Mitch Cooper for two more years. Cooper, who has been with Newcastle since 2012, said: “There’s so much improvement and potential here, and I want to be a big part of it.”
Don’t forget, if the match finishes 0-0, bet365 will refund all pre-match Correct Score, Half-Time/Full-Time and Scorecast bets with our fantastic Bore Draw Money Back offer.
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