Solid Scott gives Rudan selection dilemma as number one Kurto closes in on United return

Mark Rudan says you only need to look towards Ryan Scott’s place amongst Western United’s leadership group to understand the importance of the stand-in goalkeeper to his side.

Scott made his second start for the Green and Black against Brisbane Roar on Sunday afternoon, keeping a clean sheet marked by a string of astonishing saves in a match-winning performance between the sticks.

The 25-year-old is enjoying a second run in the senior team in place of Filip Kurto, after making one appearance off the bench in the 2019/20 campaign. Scott has deputised for the Polish shot-stopper on four occasions over the past two seasons after recurring concussions have sidelined United’s number one on multiple occasions.

Scott’s nine saves against the Roar helped secure his first ever A-League shut-out. It’s yet another positive milestone for Scott who has impressed since joining United from NPL Victoria side Bentleigh Greens on an injury replacement contract for James Delianov in 2019.

“Superb, superb,” Rudan said after Scott’s shift for United against Brisbane.

“World-class save in the first half (to deny Riku Danzaki), absolute world-class.

“He’s another one knocking down the door, wants to play, wants to start.

We told him to think like a number one.

“He got his chance on the weekend, he backed it up again tonight.

” He comes out for crosses, communicates ever so well. He made saves when he had to, came out and punched in the last minute as well. Just makes some great decisions and great saves, he was fantastic.”

MATCH REPORT: Western United 1-0 Brisbane Roar

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“And he’s a leader,” Rudan continued.

He’s part of the leadership group as well, which tells you something.

“I’m not sure how often second ‘keepers are in the leadership group, but he certainly is, and that’s because of his leadership qualities and how his teammates think of him.”

Scott’s initial three-month contract at United was extended to the end of the current A-League season in mid-2020. He has since grown into a popular figure in Rudan’s dressing room, making his way into the leadership group while serving as Kurto’s understudy.

United’s number one has returned to training after his most recent concussion in a loss to Western Sydney Wanderers on March 7. A Matchweek 13 clash with Macarthur FC presents Kurto the opportunity to win back his shirt in the starting lineup, but replacing Scott won’t be a simple task for Kurto who returns to the fold after a superb showing from United’s stand-in stopper.

“He’ll be fine. we didn’t want to take any chances, so he’ll be training tomorrow,” Rudan said.

“He trained yesterday. It doesn’t change though, we still need to be ultra caring for Filip, because it’s happened quite often.

“I mentioned head gear, and he’s going to be wearing it whether he likes it or not.

“I’m not taking any risks with him. I’m not doing it, nor should he.”

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6240172961001

No matter who Rudan selects in goal to take on the Bulls, United’s main objective will be clear: to begin to turn the tide with a string of consistent results.

United’s win over Roar followed a two-game losing streak, which followed a two-game winning streak. United are yet to register more than two wins in a row this season on a tumultuous run of ten games which have left the Green and Black outside the top six on 14 points.

A clash with Macarthur on Saturday, March 20 offers United the chance to secure back-to-back wins for just the second time this season. Up against a side they beat 4-1 in Matchweek 9, Rudan hopes a similar result this time around will help keep his team on the right track as they plan an assault on the Finals Series places.

“You’ve got to move on very, very quickly in this league,” he said.

“For us, it was a good win and a much-needed three points but you can’t get carried away.

“We’ve got inconsistent results, we don’t want that.

“We want consistency in results now, which match our performances which have been consistent.”