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PLAY IT SHORT (A-LEAGUE): Victory to raid Man Utd training ground, Berger could be anything, Cahill won't leave Everton

THE BOY BERGER COULD BE ANYTHINGAbsolutely delighted for Evan Berger after yesterday's performance. He never really had the chance to build some form at Victory and seemed to suffer like so many left-sided players at the club post-Simon Storey. But in the games he did play, Berger showed an intensity in his play you just don't see in the A-League. Everything he does is at full pelt, it's edge of the seat stuff and if Fergie backs him and gives the boy an extended run, he could even surprise the Glory coach with how good he actually is.

FERGIE HAS ACHIEVED THE IMPOSSIBLE WITH STERJOVSKIYesterday has to be one of the great days for Perth Glory since the A-League's launch. Hopefully, the manner of the win, the size of the home crowd and the status of opponent will end the speculation about Ferguson. The Rangers legend really has Glory now coming together - he even has Sterjovski running down lost causes! That's bordering on the improbable, but the player with the worst body language in Aussie sport is actually now chasing down 20:80 challenges. And he's a better performer for it.

MELBOURNE HEART GOAL BEST WE'VE SEENDespite the brilliant individual skill, that Melbourne Heart goal has to be one of the best 'team' goals seen in the A-League. Aziz Behich nutmegged Berisha not once, but twice, to get the fans on their feet, Terra hits the cross in midair and Germano nods home. Wow! Even more encouraging has to be the growing home gate for Heart. It's not spectacular, but the numbers are increasing and it's all positive for the management at AAMI Park.

MELBOURNE SUPPORT CAST FLUFF LINESFair to say Victory's support cast blew their audition in front of Magilton. He shook things up, despite the promising performance against Adelaide United, but there was very little to be positive about from those he gave a fresh chance to. By his approach, Magilton appears to be taking a long-term view. Without the benefit of a preseason to test different players, he's turning over his selections to give everyone a chance to stake their claim. The A-League transfer window opened last week and Magilton is on record wanting to make at least two signings - including one from abroad if they can get Ricardinho off the books. Given the disaster in Perth, the Brazilian's departure can't come quick enough.

VICTORY RAID ON MAN UTD?Word around the traps is Magilton wants to stiffen his defence. But between you, me and the goal post, Danny Webber is back at Manchester United to keep fit for his next move. Magilton loves the bones of him and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the former Ipswich Town and Sheffield United striker pop up at Victory in the coming week.

CAHILL NEVER LEAVING EVERTONCut Tim Cahill and he bleeds blue. The Aussie was never going to be allowed to leave Everton this month. There was never anything on Merseyside about it - the push seemed to come from the Aussie media more than anywhere else. Even on one leg, David Moyes knows Cahill is worth more to his team than other players. He has the status of Duncan Ferguson in-and-out of the Blues locker room and just that presence gives those around him a massive lift. Now with his breakthrough goal against Blackburn Rovers, fingers crossed that little extra confidence will help him get on the end of chances with better timing.

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Chris Beattie
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Chris Beattie

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