Central Coast Mariners head coach Mark Jackson heaped praise on Haine Eames as he explained the history-making decision to hand the teenage sensation the captain’s armband in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Two-time reigning champions the Mariners are gearing up for Saturday’s Isuzu UTE A-League showdown against Western Sydney Wanderers after concluding their ACL Elite campaign during the week.
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It saw Eames become the youngest player ever to wear the captain’s armband in AFC Champions League history as the young gun broke another record, having already etched his name in the history books as the club’s youngest ever player and goalscorer.
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“It wasn’t a gesture from my point of view, it was earned,” Jackson explained to reporters ahead of this weekend’s Round 20 matchup against the Wanderers in Gosford.
“Haine is not only a good prospect but a player who is performing exceptionally well at the moment and standing out within the team.
“Leadership is not always about who shouts the loudest or talks the most, it’s about leading by example. Haine is a player who does that, along with Steeley as well.”
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While the Mariners ended the ACL Elite without a win, it was a priceless experience for Jackson’s youthful team.
Central Coast’s starting XI against Frontale had an average of just over 21 years of age and Jackson believes the Asian adventure will bode well in the club’s quest to reach the A-Leagues finals, with the Mariners ninth and four points adrift of the top six.
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“We can take a lot from it and the main factor for us as a team is the experience of our players, particularly our younger players,” he said.
“Against Kawasaki, an average age of just over 21 years of age in the starting XI. Proud moments for Harry Steele – a Coasty boy and quite rightly got the armband to lead the team out.
“We’re pleased with what we’ve got from the competition with respect to the experience for the players. That will stand them in good stead for the future going forward I’m sure and for these nine games coming up in the A-League.
“That’s what we’re about, growing young players and giving them exposure, them learning from that and developing.”
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