Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Brisbane Roar FC / Sport-In-Digital

Young Socceroos Brandon Borrello and Shannon Brady are the beneficiaries of Brisbane Roar’s involvement in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland, according to Roar coach Mike Mulvey.

Borrello and Brady have both been selected in Paul Okon’s Young Socceroos squad for the AFC U19 Championship in Myanmar having stayed sharp through the winter by appearing for Brisbane Roar NYL in the elite player pathway.

Borrello notched four goals this season while winger Brady contributed two in 10 appearances as the duo stayed sharp ahead of pre-season training for Roar’s looming Hyundai A-League campaign.

“The NPL plays a very important role because we get a full season of it then it’s straight into the National Youth League,” Mulvey said.

“All we need to do is make sure they get a rest at the appropriate time, so we have a bigger squad and we’re able to do that.”

The attacking duo have both been involved in Roar’s pre-season preparations which have included hit-outs against PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland clubs Moreton Bay United, Redlands United, Brisbane City, Palm Beach and Olympic FC.

Mulvey suggested both players will have a part to play in the club’s title defence after impressing in the pre-season programme.

“Brandon and Shannon have been training with the first team for the majority of the pre-season,” Mulvey said.

“They’re two very bright prospects and we’ve also got Devante Clut and Jaiden Walker on standby,” he added.

“Once again the development side of things at the club is pretty good. We hope they go away and are successful with the Australian team and come back to us and make us a stronger squad.”

The Young Socceroos face the United Arab Emirates in their first match of the AFC U19 Championship on Friday, 10 October.

The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the U20 World Cup with all four semi-finalists advancing to New Zealand 2015.