Queensland coach Frank Farina has called on unheralded youngster Matt Mundy to fill the void left in the Roar’s defence by Young Socceroo Luke DeVere.
Queensland coach Frank Farina has called on unheralded youngster Matt Mundy to fill the void left in the Roar’s defence by Young Socceroo Luke DeVere.
Mundy is set to make his A-League debut this weekend and can expect a baptism of fire as he squares off against the in-form Sydney FC.
Farina admitted that Sydney could well try and target the inexperienced Mundy, but was confident of the defender’s ability to deal with the extra pressure.
“It’s his first A-League game, it’s a big match for him, I’d imagine Sydney would be looking at trying to force him into errors but I’m sure he can handle it,” Farina said.
With DeVere unavailable for selection due to international commitments and veteran Josh McCloughan still recovering from a hip injury, Farina’s hand was somewhat forced, but the Roar coach was nonetheless confident the Youth League-contracted defender would perform well.
“He’s naturally a confident kid, I don’t think the occasion will get to him, he won’t be star-struck playing against Sydney and the likes of (John) Aloisi.”
“I think he’s a good defender, he’s been playing regularly with Rochedale in the (Brisbane) Premier League, so he’s fit and he’s keen, so let’s hope all those ingredients will point to a good debut for him.”
A nervous Mundy was still in shock as he explained to the media on Friday about how the news of his debut was broken by Farina and Roar Youth League coach Rado Vidosic.
“Rado called me in and I thought he was just going to have a chat to me about where I was playing in the Youth League this week,” he said.
“Then I went in and Frank was in there and he said there’s a good chance I’d be starting in the first team this week.”
“I haven’t really started thinking about it yet, I don’t want to worry myself too early.”
Mundy will be partnering veteran Craig Moore in the Roar’s back half.
“You couldn’t ask for anyone better to play next to than Craig Moore, he’s real good to train next to as well, tells you where to be, it’s definitely good to have his experience for my first game,” he said.
Mundy expects Sydney’s star forwards will try and exploit his lack of top-flight football.
“Experienced strikers, if they know that I’m inexperienced, they probably would try and target me,” he said.
“I’ve got Craig Moore next to me, so nothing to worry about,” he joked.
