Words: Staff Writer
Image: Michael Flynn

New acquisitions Sam Cronin and Costa Psaros are already eyeing first-team places at Olympic FC after signing on for 2015.

The pair have both joined from Brisbane Roar NYL though for Psaros it’s a return to Goodwin Park, having broken through at the club for senior football in 2013.

Cronin, who has spent the past two years with Roar at both PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland and Foxtel National Youth League level, hopes to now learn from his new senior teammates.

“I was looking at the league and I thought Olympic was the best team in Brisbane,” Cronin said.

“I thought coming here would give me the best opportunity to play with good players and improve.”

Joining Olympic FC means a return to club football for the former Buderim junior having joined Roar from the Queensland Academy of Sport, a move he is excited to embrace.

“It will be different,” the Sunshine Coast product said.

“I haven’t been at a club for a while so it’s good to get a different experience and I’m ready to get into it.

“I’m definitely trying to get into the first team straight away.”

Psaros is also intent on being a regular at senior level, but doesn’t expect his familiarity with the club and Head Coach Jim Bellas will grant him any favours.

“Getting into the first team is the plan,” he said.

“I have to work for it, nothing is set stone, but I’m happy to work for my position.”

Psaros, 18, made a handful of senior appearances for Olympic last year after impressing at youth level.

He went on to make his Foxtel National Youth League debut in late 2013 before continuing on with Jeff Hopkins’ side for its PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland campaign, and believes the year has improved him as a footballer.

“It was a great experience. I had a good 12 months there, learned a lot and experienced a lot of things,” Psaros said.

“I think I’ve gotten better from it. They gave us a bit of feedback, what we can work on and where we should improve so I’m looking to develop those areas.”

However, the midfielder hopes he can enjoy a more natural playing role in 2015 after learning to adapt at Roar.

“I played two or three positions throughout the year so I’m looking to settle into one position, more central in midfield,” he said.

It’s a desire Cronin shares as the 19-year-old eyes a permanent place amongst the action.

“I tend to get put at the back but I see myself more as a midfielder,” Cronin said.

“I want to try to be more attacking this season, try to get some goals but also help out defensively obviously.”

Both players will have the chance to stake their claim when the squad assembles for pre-season training in early December.