A-LEAGUE
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With Alessandro Del Piero and Brett Emerton missing in action on Saturday, Sydney FC striker Corey Gameiro sent coach Frank Farina a timely reminder of his ability, scoring a brace for the Sky Blues youth squad at WIN Stadium.
In his first game back from a freak knee injury suffered in pre-season, the Port Kembla junior needed just 45 minutes to show Sydney fans what they've been missing, playing a part in all three of the Sky Blues' second-half goals.
Sydney eventually ran out 4-3 victors over the Melbourne Heart, but it was Gameiro's performance that is sure to catch the attention of Farina.
"Hopefully the gaffer can hear about a couple of the goals and we will go from there," Gameiro said.
"Preferably I would like to be in the first team as soon as possible.
"If it means I have to be patient and come down and have another game with the youth team, then so be it."
Gameiro thanked youth grade coach Steve Corica for giving him the chance to return to the pitch before casting his eyes toward helping the Sky Blues' first team in the future.
Sydney misfired in the attacking third in Saturday's 1-0 loss to the Mariners, putting Gameiro in the ideal position for a first-team recall.
"[On Saturday] we didn't play as well as we could have and all the boys know that," Gameiro said.
"The boys are doing really well, unfortunately we didn't get a result but I feel as if I could add to that as well. I feel I can give a little bit more."
Fresh from battling his own injuries, Gameiro backed the club's decision to be cautious with the timing of star Italian Del Piero's return.
"He is getting on now, but he still has the knowledge, he still has the heart and he has still got the ability to keep playing at this level," Gameiro said.
"We want to keep him playing and keep him fresh for as long as we can.
"If that means we have to let him sit out for a week, then that's what we have to do.
"Alessandro is such a tremendous asset to our team.
"To have him out for one game, so he can play three, four or five in a row, is a no-brainer."
The Sky Blues have used similar discretion with Gameiro's own injury and are now set to reap the rewards of their patience.
He will have another week of training under his belt before Sydney play a rejuvenated Melbourne Heart, buoyed by the weekened return of former Socceroo Harry Kewell