Star striker Daniel Sturridge can “tear up” the A-League says broadcaster Simon Hill as Perth Glory head to a sell-out crowd for Saturday’s opening A-League clash with Adelaide United at HBF Park.

“That’s the impact that marquee players can have, particularly those that people recognise and who resonate with them,” said Channel 10 and Paramount+ commentator Hill.

“I take my hat off to Perth. I think it’s absolutely terrific.

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“It was a bit of a surprise but it’s tremendous both for the club and the competition.

“He’ll get bums on seats.”

Former England and Liverpool striker Sturridge has signed with Glory for this season, but the two-time Champions League and FA Cup winner has only been out of quarantine a week and is expected to play just a cameo from the bench.

He has had an injury plagued career and Glory will be taking no chances with their prize recruit.

Hill expects him to score a bag of goals.

“In terms of how he will impact on the pitch there are a few questions,” Hill said.

“Whether his body is right, will he be OK with the travel that all Perth players have to do, how’s he going to go playing in the summer on hard pitches.

“A lot of foreign players get soft tissue injuries.

“They are few question marks but if he’s fit and finds his form, goodness me, he could tear this competition up and score a bag of goals.

“His quality is unquestioned. I’m excited to see how he goes.”

Hill said he liked the look of the new Glory squad built by second-year coach Richard Garcia.

“If you are going to split hairs and say there’s a potential weakness it’s the defence,” Hill said.

“Is it going to be strong enough?

“Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for years.

“The issue has been keeping them out

“Brandon O Neill is a terrific acquisition with Neil Kilkenny leaving.

“I don’t think they’ve lost anything there at all.

“But how is he (Garcia) going to fit Sturridge, Bruno Fornaroli and Andy Keogh all in. Will he play all three?”