North Queensland Fury coach Ian Ferguson believes he may have found the perfect foil to marquee signing Robbie Fowler in striker Daniel McBreen.
McBreen, who has been playing for English non-League club York City, arrived at the club this week and while Ferguson admits he needs some time to rest after a hectic season, the coach has predicted he could be a very important player for the new franchise.
At 185cm, McBreen will offer a target up forward for the Fury, who also have smaller forward options in Fowler and Brendon Santalab. Ferguson admitted the former Falkirk and St Johnstone player was the type of striker he needed to compliment his other options.
“It’s nice to have Daniel on board now. He’s played 50 odd games this year, he’s only had the two weeks rest so we’ll actually give him 45 minutes (on Sunday) and we see how he is. I think he needs another couple of week’s rest,” he said.
“That’s what I was missing. As you could gather, I was missing that physical aspect up front. Santalab’s quite small and so is Fowler, so I was looking for that bigger physical player and he fits the bill.”
McBreen, who played with Newcastle United in the NSL, came well recommended to Ferguson.
“He played in England as well. I also knew that he played, in the old NSL. I knew a bit about him. Obviously going up to Scotland and playing for Falkirk and St Johnstone. I had a few contacts up there and they gave me a few good reports on him,” he said.
The player himself can’t wait to get involved with his new club, despite his short break. He will play a half in the historic first-ever Fury game against Singaporean club Tampines Rovers on Sunday.
“You don’t want to be sitting around on the sidelines, you want to get involved. You have to balance so you are not over-tired once the season starts,” he said.
“A-League’s got a good reputation over there (in England). It’s really good and positive to come back.”
McBreen can’t wait to link up with Fowler and hopes to form a strong partnership.
“I’d pay to play with Robbie. I’m just looking forward to that experience,” he said.
“I’ll just go out there and do my job and hopefully that works for the team.”
Meanwhile, Ferguson said he will not risk the fitness of Fowler in the pre-season, with his star man carrying a slight injury at the moment.
“I think everything’s fine with him. He’s got a little bit off a niggle. But we’ll make sure. We don’t want to take any chances with him. The priority for the Fury is to make sure he is ready for the start of the season, rather than worrying about pre-season games. We won’t take any chances with him,” he said.
