FORMER Socceroos striker Danny Allsopp is hoping his appearance for Launceston City this weekend can help the struggling side get its first win in the Victory League.
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The 35-year-old will line up for City against sister club Tilford Zebras for his second marquee appearance in the state's top soccer league.
``I want to do what I can to help the team improve and get a good result,'' Allsopp said today. ``I enjoyed fully the weekend last time I came down, I really enjoyed being at the club, although we didn't win that game, I thought we were doing okay.''
Allsopp said coach Kurt Reynolds had kept him abreast of the team's improved performances this year.
``It's great that we're scoring so many goals, it must mean there's been some good games to watch. Having not won a game yet this year it's been something I've been looking forward to and hopefully this game will be it.''
The forward, who played professionally in the UK and with Melbourne Victory in the A-League, was originally meant to play two weeks ago but a back injury picked up working around his house forced him to postpone.
``I didn't want to come down and not play 100 per cent like I want to, so I should be in good shape,'' he said.
Allsopp does not know where he will line up but he is expected to play an attacking midfield role like he did last year in the 6-0 loss against Northern Rangers.
``I remember the game pretty well,'' he said. ``I don't think it stopped raining last time I was here so it's nice that the sun's out and the ground is looking great so I'm really looking forward to the game.''
Allsopp was heavily man-marked in that game, which was played in torrential rain, and expected a similar tactic from Zebras.
``I find that just about every week that I play anyway, it's part and parcel and I'm experienced enough and hopefully that will take some pressure off someone else, it can work both ways for the other team.''
Allsopp will train with the team tonight with the final line up to be decided after the session. Reynolds said he had spoken to his squad about Allsopp knocking one of them back to the bench.
``Overall the lads are excited they feel privileged to have a player of Danny's experience and achievements coming into the club and being a part of the local football environment,'' he said.
Allsopp said: ``It is an awkward thing and probably what I was most nervous about last year because you come in and someone is going to miss out but I felt all the boys were great last year and hopefully it's all the same this time.''
