Warren Moon believes Brisbane Roar’s goalkeeping situation is in safe hands following Macklin Freke’s impressive A-League debut in their 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets on Wednesday.
A knee injury to Roar’s number one custodian Jamie Young set some alarm bells ringing in Queensland but the 22-year-old Freke diffused any significant concerns that Young’s absence will be a costly one in an action-packed outing against the Jets.
Freke faced 20 shots and 15 corners in the Hunter Valley – the highest amount of corners the Jets have tallied since the 2012/13 campaign – and dealt impressively with Newcastle’s aerial raid.
The former youth team gloveman made five saves in total, including two excellent diving saves to deny Roy O’Donovan and Ramy Najjarine in the first half before he was ultimately beaten by Valentino Yuel’s header.
“We think very highly of Macklin,” Roar boss Moon told FOX Sports.
“We’re disappointed to lose Jamie [Young] but we’re really excited about the opportunity for Macklin because he deserves it.
“There’s a reason why we promoted him to number two this year and you saw, despite a few jittery moments, he was excellent tonight so we’re very happy for him.”
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Freke said: “I don’t think I’ve faced that many [corners] in my life, honestly!
“I’m happy to play to be honest, it’s been a long time coming. I’m happy to get my first game out of the way with the win. We couldn’t keep a clean sheet but maybe that’s next week.
Roar signed Bon Scott on an injury-replacement deal this week to provide competition for the number one jersey in Young’s absence but Freke will feel confident in retaining that position on the back of Wednesday’s outing.
Scott, 23, a former Roar youth keeper, rose to fame on the back of his FFA Cup heroics for Brisbane Strikers in 2019, which saw the NPL Queensland outfit knock out Wellington Phoenix en route to the semi-finals.
Brisbane go third on the ladder after their 2-1 triumph and face Adelaide United at home next on Saturday, January 30.
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Next Matches
Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets
Sunday, 24 January 2021
Kick-off: 6.05pm AEDT
Venue: WIN Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
Match Centre
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Saturday, 30 January 2021
Kick-off: 9.15pm AEDT
Venue: Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe
Broadcast: FOX Sports
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
Match Centre
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