Shotton’s leadership shines but Brebner urges another Victory star to ‘do better’

Grant Brebner believes defender Ryan Shotton has instilled defensive leadership that has recently been lacking at Melbourne Victory after the English recruit helped his side earn their first clean sheet of the season in Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate with Western United.

The calming aura of 32-year-old centre back Shotton – who arrived in Victoria with over 300 games of Premier League and Championship experience – is helping shore up a Victory defence that conceded 44 goals in 26 games last season and were beaten by their noisy Melbourne neighbours, Western United, in each of their previous three fixtures.

“He is a leader and we need leaders,” said Brebner.

“The last year when we played Western United we were beaten in the tunnel because they have got a presence and some experienced players.

“Ryan certainly brings that to our team. He played really well tonight.

“He’s sometimes a little bit casual and we have conversations about that.

“He’s without a doubt shored up our defence.

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Brebner added: “We will take a lot of confidence that we can hold out defensively, but we’ve still got a lot of things we want to work through.”

While Victory boss Brebner hailed the influence of his defensive henchman from Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom, the 43-year-old admitted he would like to see more from Marco Rojas.

The New Zealand international has not registered a goal or assist in his four matches so far this season.

“I think Marco would agree with me that he can do better,” he said.,

“There were glimpses where he was getting on the ball and making things happen. But for the player I know, he can do a lot better.”

The return of fellow frontline stars Robbie Kruse, Callum McManaman and Rudy Gestede will undoubtedly ease Rojas’ responsibility to deliver in the final third. And make the Kiwi’s standing as the jewel in Victory’s attacking crown all the more enticing for fans of the Navy Blue.

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Kruse missed the draw against United after flagging hamstring tightness after Victory’s 2-1 win against Perth Glory on Tuesday, 26 January.

Brebner clarified that the Australian international is ‘absolutely not injured’ and was not risked on Saturday after playing four matches in 15 games.

“Everybody in this team is gathering good momentum and good minutes,” Brebner said.

“With Rudy [Gestede], being a hamstring you need to take a little bit more care so we won’t be rushing him. Callum [McManaman], who I keep reminding just got a kick and he needs to toughen up a little bit so we’ll maybe push him this week to try and get in contention for next weekend.”