Brisbane Roar Youth will looking to even the ledger when they take on the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday night, determined to make up for last Tuesday’s disappointing 5-2 loss.
The side will be without a number of National Youth League regulars after they were promoted to the Hyundai A-League squad and will be replaced by players handpicked out of the Queensland Academy of Sport.
While Sime admitted that it was a difficult situation, he was looking forward to
working with the new squad members and ensuring that his team was still able to perform to the standards he has set all season.
“The youth league is all about development and preparing players for the next level of football, so this is just a natural progression for the boys and losing players to the first team is just something you have to accept,” said Sime.
“This will be a great opportunity for the players that we call up from the QAS; hopefully they will take advantage of this chance by working hard and performing on the day.
“If the squad can perform to the best of their ability on Saturday I will be very happy.”
While the Roar Youth will work around a significantly changed line-up, the Mariners will be looking to secure a number of star players themselves after the nucleus of the Central Coast Youth side stood out in Hyundai A-league action during the week.
Sime said that he was impressed with the efforts of players such as Mustafa Amini and Bernie Ibini-Isei, yet he felt that his side had a great chance of coming home with the three points.
“Central Coast is a great youth side and some of their players have been able to make a strong impression at the next level,” Sime said.
“While I have said all season that the Mariners were one of the strongest sides in the competition, I believe that if my boys can give a complete performance we should have nothing to worry about.”
With only two games to go in the NYL competition this season, Sime was adamant his side would end on their campaign on a high.
“It has been a long season, however there is two rounds to go and I-m confident the boys have what it takes to finish on good terms.”
