In the absence of two experienced defenders, Brisbane Roar’s Jack Hingert has backed the youngsters of the squad to step up to the challenge in Saturday’s clash against Newcastle Jets.
In the absence of two experienced defenders, Brisbane Roar-s Jack Hingert has backed the youngsters of the squad to step up to the challenge in Saturday-s clash against Newcastle Jets.
With Matt Smith and Ivan Franjic in Hong Kong on international duty with the Qantas Socceroos, central defender Matt Jurman could be partnered with either Japanese import Yuji Takahashi or the club-s two-time National Youth League Player of the Year James Donachie.
Takahashi has played just once this Hyundai A-League season – three minutes against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand – while Donachie made his debut in last season-s final match, a dead rubber against Gold Coast United and signed a senior contract in September this year.
Takahashi and Donachie, both 19, have been playing for the Roar-s National Youth League team, meaning neither are without match fitness heading into the round eight encounter.
Hingert, who has 45 Hyundai A-League appearances to his name after two seasons at North Queensland Fury, could have the task of helping guide a fellow youngsters through their second match at senior level.
“I-ve got to step it up a bit more this week and I-ve got to age a couple of years over the next couple of days!” he laughed.
“But I am looking forward to it.
“It-s a big loss losing Ivan and Smithy at the back but we-ve got great players at the club who can come through.
“Even the young boys can come in and do a job for us and none of us will be worried about them – we know they-ll do their job.”
Hingert has played in all but one of Brisbane-s fixtures so far this season and has grown into his role at right-back and he openly admits his confidence is building game-by-game.
“I-ve gotten a bit of game time this season and I-m always going to be happy with that,” he said.
“I just want to try and improve every game and do what I can to keep my spot in the team.
“I-ve been enjoying getting a good run so hopefully that will continue.”
With Ben Halloran omitted from the Australian squad for the East Asian Cup qualifiers in Hong Kong next week, Hingert and Halloran will be able to build on their impressive link-up play that has developed over the past few matches when they face the Jets on Saturday.
Brisbane Roar host Newcastle Jets on Saturday, 1 December. Kick-off at Suncorp Stadium is at 6.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
