Keeper's fitness crucial

Injured Bunbury Forum Force goalkeeper Ryan Montgomery has rated himself a 50-50 chanceto return for Saturday’s relegation battle with the Western Knights at Payne Park.

The reliable gloveman missed his first game in four seasons after suffering a strained anterior cruciate ligament in Bunbury’s 4-2 loss to ECU Joondalup a fortnight ago, but is positive he will return to the pitch this weekend.

‘‘I will go back to the physio today and reassess the situation there,’’ Montgomery said.

‘‘As long as it keeps improving as well as it is, I’m pretty confident that I should be fit.’’

Montgomery saidit was heartbreaking to watch the Force’s disappointing 4-0 loss to Sorrento.

‘‘Watching the Sorrento game from the sidelines was that tough it was unbelievable — it was one of the worst days of my career and I wasn’t even playing.

'‘Not being out there with the boys and being able to help them out absolutely killed me.

‘‘It’s just one of those things, but I really want to be ready for this week.’’

With just one point separating Bunbury and the bottom-placed Knights, Montgomery labelled Saturday’s match as the ‘‘most important game of the season’’.

‘‘There is so much riding on this weekend’s game, it’s absolutely massive for us,’’ he said. ‘‘If we lose this one we’re at the bottom and it would be tough from there.

‘‘I’m confident all the boys will be ready and pumped for the big game, so hopefully we can turn it on like we know we can.’’

Bunbury will be without budding defender Calum Richardson as they chase their first points since Round 14.

It has been a horror fortnight for the Western Knights — who have conceded 14 goals in two games — with injuries, suspensions and holidays taking their toll.

Despite their form and position on the ladder, the Knights will be no easybeats, with midfield duo Ivan Zuvela and Dave Annall set to return from holiday and injury respectively.