As the only Brisbane Roar Youth player to start every game this season, talented right back Matthew Byrne has proven to be a model of consistency.
In his second season for Roar Youth after a three month trial with the club in late 2009, Byrne has made the step from squad member to key player in the space of 18 months.
Byrne believes his rise up the ranks can be put down to hard work and the faith of the Roar Youth coaching staff.
“I have been working really hard this season and have really been enjoying my football,” Byrne said.
“It-s great that the coaching staff has noticed my hard work and given me the chance to be a regular starting member of the youth side.
“Each week I just try to play and train to my best so that I can repay the gaffer for giving me so many opportunities.”
With the Roar Youth breaking a difficult run of losses with their come from behind win against the Newcastle Jets on Friday, the side has been pushing themselves at training ahead of this weekend-s local derby against Gold Coast United Youth.
While Roar Youth beat Gold Coast for the first time in round seven of this year-s National Youth League competition, Byrne is adamant that their rivals from down the M1 would not be taking the game lightly.
“Most of the boys from the Gold Coast have played or trained with quite a few of our players at the Queensland Academy of Sport or at other clubs, so we know each other very well and will not be taking this game lightly,” said Byrne.
“The fact that we defeated them for the first time this season has given us plenty of confidence that they we can get the win if we put in a good team performance.
“As a team there is more than enough inspiration for us to give it our all on Sunday, it would be a real let down if we didn-t.”
With the NYL coming to a close this weekend, Byrne is looking forward with the hope that he can make the step up to the Brisbane Roar Hyundai A-League side in the near future.
“Training with the first team players this season has given me further inspiration to keep working towards my goal of joining them at the top level,” said Byrne.
“Hopefully the coaches from the first team notice my hard work and consistency, but until then I-ll just keep giving it my all.”
