Brisbane Roar’s exciting winger Eli Adams hopes his encouraging Anzac Day efforts will lead to more Isuzu UTE A-League exposure over the remaining matches.
Adams, 20, made his first start at senior professional level in the club’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory at Moreton Daily Stadium last Monday.
It was his fourth appearance in as many weeks, with the left-footer enjoying an expanded role since returning from an eight-week training stint in Germany spent with clubs like Bundesliga outfit Greuther Fürth.
“After the performance against Macarthur there were some signs in training that there was the possibility of me starting, so I knew to continue working hard in training and try to cement a starting spot,” Adams said.
“It was certainly something monumental [to play on Anzac Day]. It’s a special day obviously. I was nervous but at the same time it becomes another game of football.
“A lot of the senior players – Nevs and Jay, even Rahmat – were very helpful in just telling me to take it bit by bit, build into the game.
“By doing the little things right my confidence grew and I was able to show what I can do.”
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Adams’ “unreal experience” in Germany was not his first footballing trip to the nation, having journeyed there after completing high school in Toowoomba.
But back in Queensland and with increasing chances to impress in orange, the talented attacker hopes to deliver on the simple message he’s received from the Roar coaching staff.
“Just continue to work hard and opportunities will come,” he explained. “They’re not given for no reason. If you’re doing the right things, working hard and showing what they want to see, you’ll get the opportunity.
“I guess that’s what’s happened in my case.
“My end goal is to play in Europe but at the moment it’s about getting more confidence and experience and continuing to grow. We’ll take it step by step and see what happens.
“Hopefully I can continue to play, get as many minutes as possible, show what I can do in the last few games and build into next season.”
