Brisbane Strikers head coach Chay Hews is hoping last year’s centre-half dilemmas don’t continue in 2014 after adding a mix of home-grown youth and foreign flair to his squad for the upcoming season.

Hews confirmed 17 year old David Roby will be given the chance to build upon his impressive start to NPL football last year, while Frenchman David Salin will add experience and European style to the Strikers backline.

It is the first senior contract for the solidly-built Roby, who progressed from the Under 18’s to senior football last year as injuries and form swings played havoc with Strikers defensive set-up.

However, despite the need for defensive steel this season, Hews was clear he didn’t expect Roby to be the finished product just yet.

“He did well for us last year when he was given an opportunity to take a spot in the senior team, but he is still one for the future”, Hews explained.

“He’s a good defender and good on the ball,” he added.

The signing of the 27 year old Salin provides Roby with an experienced partner at the back, with the Frenchman most recently plying his trade with Cannes-based club side Manedlieu de Napoule.

Salin came into the Strikers squad from left field after contacting Hews “sight unseen” and impressing him greatly at training.

“He came along and trained with us with another couple of French guys”, Hews explained.

“No-one else even knew they were coming and after about half an hour of training I had three or four people come up to me and say ‘this guy looks pretty good’.

“He’s a left-footed player who can play centre half or centre midfield. He looks very comfortable on the ball and very skillful.

"He seems like he’s going to fit right in and he looks like a really good player. He certainly impressed me enough to offer him a contract.

“I think he’s going to be a standout for us this year”, Hews continued.

“Obviously, it’s early doors and you don’t like to get too carried away and put a lot of pressure on the lad, but I think he could mean a lot for us in terms of having players that are good on the ball”.

Salin is not expected to be available for tonight’s game against Rochedale Rovers in the Silver Boot, however Strikers remain hopeful he will take the field for Saturday’s Macron Cup fixture against Eastern Suburbs at AJ Kelly Park.

Words: Steve Pitman (Brisbane Strikers)