Perth Glory currently sit second from bottom as they prepare to face fellow strugglers Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.

With the Western Australian club ravaged by injury and having only recently broken their six hour goal drought with a consolation goal in last weeks 5-1 battering at the hands of Melbourne City, things are looking bleak.

The salary cap scandal hangover is clearly lingering over the club like a bad cold and the squad needs inspiration.

The players shouldn’t look any further than captain Richard Garcia.

Garcia, the former West Ham and Hull City player, has been the Glory’s most consistent player this term with a string of strong performances characterised by sheer determination, effort and experienced play.

The 34-year-old Perth born forward, who has been capped 18 time by the Socceroos, may be one of the oldest on the books for Glory but he’s been working tirelessly to make this inexperienced side competitive.

Garcia leads the team in assists (two) and is only second to Nebosja Marinkovic (10) with nine chances created so far this season.

However, arguably the most telling statistic is regarding his work in the air. Winning headers in the middle and final third of the park is crucial for any team, with first and second efforts enabling teams to retain possession and launch attacks. Garcia has a team high 13 aerial duels won, which for a forward under six foot is testament to his tenacity and relentlessness on the park.

Glory don’t have the most talented squad in the Hyundai A-League. If they are able to channel their energy to winning individual battles and follow the lead of their captain Richard Garcia, they may yet be able to make something of this season.