After playing 15 minutes in the Socceroos’ 1-0 friendly win over Paraguay on the weekend, Brisbane skipper Matt McKay is looking to continue his winning ways at club level as the Roar chase league-leaders Adelaide United.
McKay managed his fifth cap, and first under new coach Holger Osieck, replacing star Tim Cahill late in the match, and is confident the high-flying Roar can secure all three points against Newcastle Jets on Saturday.
McKay said he was Impressed by the approach of his German mentor, likening it to the style adopted by Roar coach Ange Postecoglou this season.
“It’s exactly the way we play at our club,” he said.
“It’s all about ball possession and also about if you’ve got an opportunity to play it forward, you play it forward.”
On the back of his fifth cap and with the AFC Asian Cup in January quickly approaching, McKay was hopeful he would be included in the squad travelling to Qatar.
“I really enjoyed the week in camp,” he said.
“I got to meet some players I hadn’t met before and get a hold of the new manager and the new set-up.”
“I didn’t feel out of place and I want to be part of it in the future.”
With fixtures coming thick and fast in the next few weeks, the 27-year-old said it would prove a make or break period in the season but also a great chance to close the three-point gap to Adelaide at the top.
Despite having one eye on the Reds, McKay emphasised that the sole focus was on their own preparations and targets for the season.
“Adelaide have had a very good start to the season, and likewise, we’re happy with our start but we’ve got to keep plugging away,” he said.
“It’s not about chasing people, it’s about ourselves, looking at the way we are playing and getting the right result.”
“It’s a very important week for us, and we’ll take the first step with Newcastle.”
“I want to be winning games, I want to be with the Roar in the finals series and win things.”
“Nothing has changed from the start of the season, we go out every game, be it home or away, and we work hard.”
“That’s the ethic we’ve got here.”
