Brisbane Roar Youth captain Chris Bush has been rewarded for his inspirational performances in the National Youth League, signing a Hyundai A-League contract with the league leaders until the end of the current season.
A product of the Australian Institute of Sport, Bush was given the opportunity from Head Coach Ange Postecoglou after a spot on the roster opened up following last month-s departure of Brazilian-born striker Reinaldo.
The 18-year-old has worn the skipper-s armband for the Brisbane Roar Youth side in just his first season at the club, a telling indication of his commitment, passion and technical ability according to Postecoglou.
“Bushy has worked hard all year, he-s really earned his spot,” the Brisbane boss said.
“He-s been outstanding for the youth team and really suits our style of game so I-m pleased to have him on board.”
Bush agreed with his coach-s observations, naming the leadership of the youth squad and the belief of the Brisbane Roar coaching staff as the main catalysts to his confidence and in turn, dominant football displays.
“I-m really looking forward to it and I-m appreciative of the chance that Ange has given me,” he said.
“Getting the captaincy made me want to improve more and lead the team well, I think my form in the youth league definitely helped me get this opportunity.”
Not afraid to take control of the midfield battle and a constant menace to opposition defences, Bush has been an integral part of the Brisbane-s National Youth League side-s rise to second place on the ladder.
A similar type of player to current club captain Matt McKay and midfield workhorse Massimo Murdocca, Postecoglou tipped Bush as a star of Brisbane-s future who would flourish under the guidance of the older squad members as the Roar look ahead to their final fixtures of the season.
“We-re giving him an opportunity now, it-s up to him to work hard and take the next step,” he said.
“He-s very similar to Massimo and Matty, they-re busy, hardworking midfielders and good technically as well.”
The Brisbane coach had no doubts that if needed, Bush was more than capable to stepping up to Hyundai A-League level given his high work rate and leadership qualities that he has displayed both in the National Youth League and on the training paddock.
“It-s up to him to keep working hard and with Matty (McKay) at the Asian Cup we don-t really have a lot of depth,” Postecoglou said.
“I guess it-s just about opportunity – he-s been working hard and I-m sure he-ll be ready if one comes his way.”
Bush said if the chance to don a Hyundai A-League jersey fell his way, he wouldn-t let it slip away without a fight.
“If I do get the opportunity, I just want to grab it with both hands.”
