Impressive performances against the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory in recent weeks has Costa Barbarouses hoping for another chance to run at the Jets defenders during this weekend’s Hyundai A-League clash in Newcastle.
Barbarouses produced a stellar display against Branko Culina’s men in a midweek 3-0 win at Westpac Stadium and followed that up with another good outing in the 1-1 draw against the Glory as he retained his place in the starting line-up ahead of All-White playmaker Leo Bertos.
It was just the young striker’s 13th game for the club – eight of which had been off the bench – since joining in 2007 and he admits it was tough at times waiting behind Shane Smeltz last season and Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre this season for a chance to showcase his talents.
“It is a bit frustrating but you know I’m still young and there is still hard work to be done,” said the 19-year-old.
“You just have to keep believing in your ability, like I do. The opportunities will come and it’s gone pretty well so far and hopefully it continues.”
Against the Jets, Barbarouses’ pace had the defence in all sorts of trouble as Matt Thompson, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Angelo Costanzo and Tarek Elrich struggled to contain the livewire striker who had a hand in goals for Tim Brown and Greenacre.
“Pace is really important in the modern game. Fortunately I’ve got a bit,” the teenager said.
“It just creates another option for the team. You play the balls in behind and give defenders a bit of a hard time. It definitely brings a different dimension to our game.”
“My performance (against the Jets) was a reflection of the team’s performance. We all played really well.”
“They worked hard to get the ball up to me and ‘Greenie’ (Greenacre) and Paul and we worked really well together and hopefully we can do the same again this weekend.”
“Our centre defence and centre midfield all won their battles. Sometimes games like that can just become battles and we got the better of them.”
“That freed up the more creative players like me, Chris, Daniel and Paul. We did our part as well and scored three goals.”
During the build-up to New Zealand-s World Cup play-off against Bahrain last Saturday, Barbarouses was invited to train with the All-Whites.
“It was great just to have a look and train with all those players and have the experience. It has definitely opened my eyes up a bit,” he admitted.
And with the All-Whites booking their tickets to South Africa next year thanks to a 1-0 win, Barbarouses now has another goal in his sights – impressing his club and All-Whites coach Ricki Herbert enough to be on that plane.
“With a bit of luck I could be the extra striker in there that they pick. It just comes down to a bit of hard work between now and the World Cup.”
