In a squad not short of stars, one player hoping to make his mark on the competition this season and beyond is Brisbane Roar young gun Corey Brown.
Brisbane Roar have jumped out of the blocks this season and lead the competition as the only side to start the new campaign with back-to-back wins.
In a squad not short of stars, one player hoping to make his mark on the competition is Roar-s young gun Corey Brown.
The 19-year-old defender signed a two year contract extension in the off-season and is hoping more first team opportunities come his way in the near future – though he knows he-ll have to work for them.
Brown knocked back the chance to move to the Newcastle Jets in favour of continuing his development under Mike Mulvey and is confident he-s made the right choice.
“There were a lot of factors that came into my decision and playing time was one of those but the fact is we have a really good squad and coach here at Brisbane,” said Brown.
“Gary van Egmond, whom I-d previously played under at the AIS, did try to sign me but I sat down with Mike and he assured me I am very much in the plans for the future.”
Having notched goals in pre-season against Central Coast and Sydney FC, Brown saw his first action of the season proper on the weekend.
The former Roar youth team player came off the bench in his side-s rout of Sydney FC and knows competition with Shane Stefanutto for the starting left back spot will be fierce throughout 2013/14.
“There was a big crowd there, so it was great to get such an emphatic win in front of our home fans on the weekend,” said Brown.
“I-ve got a great relationship with Shane, he-s a great guy and has really taught me a lot.
“He-s been in great form and credits part of that to me pushing him along. Hopefully I can keep pushing and one day take his spot.”
Brown also has his eyes on a place in the Olyroos squad for the Brazil Olympic Games.
The natural left footer no stranger to playing for his country, having represented the national side at Under-20 level and his father Rod is also a former Socceroo.
“The first thing I remember growing up is watching my Dad play and he-s been a really big influence on my career,” he said.
“He-s always let me do my own thing but his best advice has been just to work hard and always aim to improve your game every time you go out on the training pitch.
“Qualifying for the Olympics commences soon so hopefully I can show the coaches I can do a job for the national team.”
With the Roar taking on Melbourne Victory this weekend, Brown will come up against the coach that signed him to his first professional deal in Ange Postecoglou.
The young defender is full of admiration for Postecoglou but insists the Roar squad have not spent too much time worrying about coming up against their former boss this week.
“It-s not something we-ve focused on too much in training but Ange is a great man-manager and I owe him a lot,” he said.
“I-ve no doubt he-d do a great job for the Socceroos and hopefully the rumours work in our favour and we can catch Victory on an off day.”
