North Queensland has forged a deal with goalkeeper Paul Henderson just days out from the club’s historic Hyundai A-League debut.
The 33-year-old has inked a two-year contract with the fledgling club and has been given the nod by coach Ian Ferguson as first-choice keeper, ahead of Justin Pasfield, for Saturday’s season opener against Sydney FC at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
“Paul’s going to start in goals, his experience and where he’s played at a good level … and the games he’s played in the pre-season I’ve been pretty happy with,” Ferguson said of the former Leicester City gloveman.
“He’s got good qualities as a leader, he’s a good short stopper, he commands his box and he’s one that’ll speak from the back.”
“I had a word with Justin (Pasfield) … he’s not far behind … he’s actually better equipped than I thought he was. He’ll get his opportunity and it’s up to him to take that when it comes,” Ferguson said.
Henderson himself is well aware he’s under pressure to perform every time he suits up.
“Fortunately it went my way this time but I’ve just got to do my job because I know Justin’s a very good goalkeeper and he’ll be pushing all the way,” Henderson said.
Despite a lengthy two-month trial Henderson said the final decision was an easy one, and the best one for his young family, which recently grew by one with the birth of his second daughter in Sydney.
“I’ve been over in the UK for a while, coming home was a major part of it and I’m a family man and being only a three-hour flight from Sydney is a big help,” he said.
“It’s difficult not seeing them but, they’ll be up here soon enough.”
Ferguson’s yet to decide on the remaining starting side for Saturday afternoon but admits being impressed by Dutch triallist Dyron Daal and Japanese hopeful Kojiro Kaimoto.
“He’s a player that excites me, I just watched him there for the first time and he was absolutely fantastic,” Ferguson said of Kaimoto.
“And Dyron Daal’s now picking up and showing he’s the player we thought he could be … he’s big, imposing, he’s strong and he holds the ball up well, so plenty of options there for us.”
“Everybody’s hats are in the ring, I keep saying this to them … show me what you’ve got, show me what you can give us and then I’ll make that decision.”
North Queensland will announce its first ever team captain on Friday.
