Star Brisbane City striker Antonio Murray will line up for his NPL Queensland club against Brisbane Roar this Wednesday night despite continuing to impress in his ongoing trial with the A-League club.

Murray will take to the Spencer Park pitch in City’s famous sky blue strip for the friendly match as he continues to press his claims for a spot in Roar coach Mike Mulvey’s squad for the upcoming A-League campaign.

It is understood the decision follows consultations between the player and City and Roar’s coaching staff.

The English-born striker of mixed Scottish-Italian descent has impressed during recent appearances for Roar in preseason – netting twice last week for the former A-League champions against Brisbane Premier League side Albany Creek Excelsior.

Murray also scored 22 times in 16 starts this year for Brisbane City to be NPL Queensland’s second leading goal scorer. He has been training with Roar for over a month whilst also representing City in the NPL.

Wednesday friendly will be the first chance for the 29 year old to display his skills against A-League opposition this year.

Once contracted as a youth to Chelsea, Murray later played professionally in England for Ipswich Town and Scotland for Hibernian before landing in Australia in 2011.

This is not the first time Murray has been on the radar of an A-League club, previously trialling with both Roar and Gold Coast United soon after his arrival.

Brisbane City currently sit in second position on the NPL Queensland league table and recently set a record 13 match unbeaten streak in the competition’s inaugural season.

Wednesday’s friendly is Roar’s first against National Premier Leagues opposition as they look to step up their preparations for the upcoming A-League season.

Match details:
Brisbane City v Brisbane Roar
Wednesday, 31 July 2013 – Spencer Park, 7pm

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Ian Judd