Jamie Young is relishing Brisbane Roar’s cross-state battle with Sydney FC in Friday night’s Hyundai A-League clash.
Brisbane host Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium, a venue synonymous with titanic sporting skirmishes between state rivals, aiming to claim eastern seaboard bragging rights.
And 33-year-old goalkeeper Young, who was born in Brisbane before moving to England in 2002 to pursue his career, backed the State of Origin feel to the Round 23 clash.
Roar will don the traditional maroon of the Queensland rugby league team on the night (7:50pm AEDT kick off), and Young believes the state-versus-state rivalry can translate successfully onto the Hyundai A-League stage.
“Tapping into the State of Origin concept, there are a lot of guys from around the world that play in our team so it’ll have a different feel,” said Young.
“I think it’s a good concept for our supporters and fans, and the A-League. We should be leveraging these kinds of rivalries – we want rivalries.
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“It may not necessarily be relatable for someone from France or Spain, but for the people in our club and community, it’s something they can relate to.
“I did live in England for 14 years, but playing for Brisbane means a lot to me. There’s a lot of importance there,” added Young.
“I’m so proud to represent this club and the people, this state and city, it’s just another great opportunity.”
Veteran goalkeeper Young is ageing like a fine wine and has been in superb form for the ninth-placed Roar this season, with a red card in Brisbane’s 4-3 loss to Adelaide United in February his only major blip.
And despite a disappointing season from the Queenslanders, Young believes his side have the quality to give Sydney FC a scare – as they did when they shocked the Sky Blues 2-1 in Round 18.
“We’ve had some victories over good opposition… so we look at those sorts of results, and where that starts from is competing and hopefully we can get a result we’re looking for,” said Young.
“If we match [Sydney FC] and put in 100% effort, I think we’re going to have a chance.”
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Davies speechless over McKay’s mastery
In Young and captain Matt McKay, it seems Brisbane Roar coach Darren Davies has several fine vintages to choose from.
The 36-year-old McKay has played more than 250 games in midfield for the club and has marshalled the engine room as the Roar encountered some bumpy roads this season.
His tireless commitment to the Brisbane cause drew big praise from the club’s interim boss.
“I don’t know how to summarise it in so little words,” said Davies.
“He’s a leader – when I say he’s a leader, he’s actually leading on the pitch as well.
“The numbers, the running he’s getting through, also off the pitch – the way he conducts himself, the way he is around the group.
I haven’t got enough good words to say about Matty McKay. He is a true leader of this football club.”
“You’ve asked me to summarise him, I could go on for a little while here, I haven’t got enough good words about him.
“He’s a true leader of the football club.”