Keogh backs Risdon for Socceroos redemption

Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh insists he has put last month's arrest in Adelaide behind him, and he hopes teammate Josh Risdon won't be held back over the incident.

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Perth Glory team-mates Josh Risdon (L) and Damien Keogh (R). (Getty) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

Keogh was charged with disorderly behaviour after a big night out in Adelaide on 16 February, while Risdon was also caught up in the drama when he failed to adhere to a move-on notice by police.

The incident didn't go unnoticed by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, who said any off-field issues would be taken into account when choosing his squads.



Risdon has been in hot form this season, but he was overlooked for Socceroos selection on Wednesday for internationals against Germany and Macedonia in Europe this month.

Keogh, an Irish international who has also played for Wolverhampton, Leeds United, and Cardiff City, hopes it will just be a matter of time before Risdon is handed his Socceroos debut.

"I was surprised Rizzo wasn't in there," Keogh said. "He's one of the best right backs I've come across in my time playing.

"Given his age and development opportunities, I'm sure it won't be long before he's in that squad because he's got great potential.

"If he keeps playing the way he is, a coach like Ange Postecoglou won't be able to ignore him for that much longer."

Keogh was fined by Glory over the incident in Adelaide, but he said the issue was now "done and dusted".

The 28 year-old scored his 10th goal of the A-League season in the Round 20 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory, and he'll be aiming to get on the scoresheet again when Perth hosts Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.

Glory is still on top of the table despite a seven-match winless run. Phoenix is one point adrift in second place.

"You could say we've had a rocky patch, but we've come out the better side of that now," Keogh said.

"Hopefully in these last seven games we're going to knock up a few more wins and lock up top spot."

Keogh, who sits three goals adrift of Marc Janko in the golden boot race, acknowledged he was marginally offside when he scored against Victory last week.

"But I've had my fair share where it's gone to the defender, so it's about time I got one," he said.

Keogh will lead a colourful convoy of more than 40 decorated floats through the streets of Leederville at this year's St Patricks Day celebrations.

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Published 11 March 2015 4:06pm

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