Words & Image: Brisbane Roar FC

Despite a large turnover of players this season, Brisbane Roar Youth coach Josh McCloughan has praised his squad’s consistent performances.

Young Roar line up against Brisbane City today with a vastly different line-up to that which took the field when the sides met in April.

Thirty-three players have featured for Young Roar in their 19 PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues matches so far this year, in part due to a number of players being invited to train with the club’s Hyundai A-League squad.

McCloughan said the ability of the squad’s newer members to adapt to his side’s structures and attacking style of play has been impressive.

“Bringing in so many new players is significant and I think the way the players have continually taken on information since then and are improving every week is terrific,” McCloughan said.

“There’s been good moments and moments that we have had to learn from, but it’s been really positive.”

“We have had players come in mid-season which is difficult. If it happens during pre-season then everyone has the chance to take the information on board and adapt together."

Currently sitting eighth in the league standings, Young Roar are coming off a solid 3-1 victory in their last start against Northern Fury – the win Young Roar’s first in Townsville in the national second tier.

“Last week was a good performance but we know we’ll need to be at our best this weekend against a quality opposition,” McCloughan said.

“I’ve said to the players that it’s important part is that we finish the season held in the regard that we should because we’ve worked really hard and held our own in every single game.

“I’ve been really happy with that and whatever we take out of Saturday will be good as well.”

One mid-season addition to the Young Roar has stood-out in recent weeks – with Hayden Mchenery impressing in five matches since his move from fellow PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues club Western Pride.

McCloughan says that there is a still wealth of talent throughout football clubs in Queensland.

“Hayden has come to the Roar and he’s been outstanding. He’s been one of our best players in a number of games,” McCloughan said.

“I’m really happy with what he’s been doing and it just shows that when a player gets an opportunity through the pathway, what they do with that chance is up to them and Hayden’s making the most of it.”

“There are a lot of good players in Queensland and there are still many playing for other NPL clubs that we are very interested in.”

“I’m really looking forward to continue building our stocks, work with our current squad and bringing in some fresh faces as well.”

The match against City will be Young Roar’s final fixture at Cleveland Showgrounds in the current PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues season.

The venue has been the scene of some of Young Roar’s most impressive victories this year – including wins over defending PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Champions Moreton Bay United, Westfield FFA Cup giant-killers Redlands United and perennial powerhouse Olympic FC.

“The field suits our style our play and we like the facility,” McCloughan said.

“We want to make sure that teams don’t enjoy coming to play there. You obviously want your home ground to be a fortress and we’ve played well there this season.”

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 20

Brisbane Roar FC Youth v Brisbane City FC
Saturday, August 6 | 5:00PM
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City