The Hyundai A-League’s most credentialed player will add another achievement to his long list this weekend – 150 matches.
The Hyundai A-League-s most credentialed player will add another achievement to his long list this weekend – 150 matches.
When Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo takes the field against Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night, it will be his 78th appearance for the club, following on his previous 72 at Melbourne Victory.
The Roar shotstopper has an incredible record in the competition – four Hyundai A-League Championships, three Hyundai A-League Premierships and three Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year awards – in his 150 games.
“I-m proud to reach this milestone and I was also happy to get my 50th clean sheet last week as well [against Adelaide United],” Theo said.
“I-ll be even more pleased if we can get three points in Newcastle.
“I-m happy to get to 150 but in saying that, I want to keep winning things.
“I-ve been very fortunate to be a part of two great teams and I hope I can win more trophies before the end of my career.”
Theo-s focus is fixed firmly on the Jets fixture with the disappointment of last Sunday-s 3-2 loss to Melbourne Heart proving the motivation for a win that would be just their second on the road this season.
Brisbane were the better side in the opening stages against the Heart but struggled to maintain the pressure after conceding the first the goal and ultimately lost the match, despite Besart Berisha-s late brace.
“We-re disappointed about last week-s result but we-ve regrouped and we-re focused on putting in a good performance against the Jets,” Theo said.
“We just have to concentrate on putting in a 90 minute performance and the result will take care of itself.
“They-ve also been a little bit unlucky this season, they-ve created some great chances and they-re some good football.
“They-re playing a bit like us in patches and we-re under no illusions and we know it-s going to be a tough contest.”
The Roar squad will travel straight to Newcastle tomorrow afternoon before Saturday night-s clash at Hunter Stadium.
Saturday, 12 January 2013
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Kick off: 7:45PM
Referee: Strebre Delovski
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1HD and Sky Sports 2.
ABC Radio Coverage – 1233 Newcastle and online
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ben Kennedy 2. Scott Neville, 7. James Brown 8. Ruben Zadkovich, 9. Emile Heskey, 11. Connor Chapman, 12. Josh Brillante, 13. Sam Gallaway 14. Taylor Regan 15. Craig Goodwin, 16. Jobe Wheelhouse 17. James Virgili, 18. Jacob Pepper, 19. Michael Bridges 20. Mark Birighitti, 22. Adam Taggart, 23. Ryan Griffiths, 25. Mitch Cooper *three to be omitted*
In: Jobe Wheelhouse (returns from injury), Scott Neville, Mitch Cooper (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Josh Mitchell (knee), Ben Kantarovski (knee), Dominik Ritter (hamstring)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael Theo (gk), 2. Matt Smith (c), 3. Shane Stefanutto, 4. Matt Jurman, 5. Ivan Franjic, 6. Erik Paartalu, 7. Besart Berisha, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 11. Ben Halloran, 15. James Donachie, 17. Mitch Nichols, 18. Luke Brattan, 20. Matt Acton (gk), 21. James Meyer, 22. Thomas Broich, 24. Nick Fitzgerald, 25. George Lambadaridis *two to be omitted*
In: James Donachie (returns from suspension), Luke Brattan (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Jack Hingert (hip injury – 4-6 weeks), Do Dong-Hyun (knee – 2-3 weeks), Henrique (hip injury – 1-2 weeks)
