An ugly incident in his return to the starting line-up won’t stop Corrimal’s Gavin O’Brien from strapping on the boots again this season as the player-coach attempts to help the Rangers keep clear of the drop zone.
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O’Brien has barely played since taking over from John Fleming earlier this season, but started at left back against Wollongong United on Saturday.
The return didn’t quite go as hoped after O’Brien was knocked out by an accidental kick to the head.
The first year coach could be forgiven for choosing to stay on the sidelines for the final four rounds, but O’Brien has vowed to play again if the undermanned Rangers need him over the final month.
“Everything is alright now,” he said.
Corrimal are level on points with Woonona Sharks and just a point clear of cellar dwellers Picton Rangers at the foot of the Illawarra Premier League.
It makes the threat of relegation a serious concern for all three clubs.
Coincidentally, Corrimal and Picton will face-off in the next round of competition on August 6.
O’Brien admitted the match shaped as a crucial test for his battling team, who were beaten 1-0 by Picton earlier in the season.
“When we played them up there, it was a challenge and it will be no different in a couple of weeks time,” he said.
“They got a good win last weekend against Cringila which makes it a bit harder, but hopefully we win and it makes it a bit sweeter.”
Corrimal also play South Coast United, Bulli and Cringila over the final four rounds.
