Holman's brilliance key for Roar: McKay
Oct 5, 2016 - 4:23 AM Brisbane captain Matt McKay believes the individual brilliance of star recruit Brett Holman can propel the Roar one step further than last year's agonising semi-final loss in the A-League.Holman will make his highly anticipated debut in Brisbane colours on Friday when they host league heavyweights Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium.
The former Socceroo made his Roar debut in a 45-minute stint during a trial two weeks ago, but it was enough for McKay to realise the impact Holman would make this season.
"He's been around players in great leagues - the Premier League and, obviously, the top division in Holland. He knows his stuff," McKay told AAP.
"His all-action will suit our style of play. More importantly, he's a good guy. He's really fitted into the changeroom and helps us senior guys, and younger guys to become better players."
McKay wasn't afraid to pinpoint the former Aston Villa player as the difference between a heartbreaking semi-final finish last year, and a grand-final berth this summer.
Holman, who last appeared domestically with the defunct Parramatta Power in 2002, will form a dream forward tandem with Jamie Maclaren.
"That little piece of individual brilliance will help teams and get you points during the season," McKay said.
"We did finish so close to winning both trophies. This year, we want to be up there again and perform when it counts."
Holman isn't the only big-name addition to the Roar over the winter, with expectations also high on former Danish international Thomas Kristensen.
McKay said the 33-year-old would add some sorely needed height to their midfield.
"He's got a bit of size about him, which we'll need this season. But he's also very mobile. He's got good passing range and will fit into our system really well," he said.
"We've got some great competition in the midfield and bringing him in will help our game."
A win over Victory would kickstart a relatively easy opening three weeks with matches against lowly Newcastle and Central Coast in the next fortnight.
"Obviously, to have a home game against the Victory is a marquee fixture for us," McKay said.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Aloisi proud after Roar record rare win Dec 30
- Roar's Aloisi confident he has support Dec 21
- Late Perth goals sink Brisbane in A-League Dec 21
- Roar will turn tables in A-League: Aloisi Dec 20
- Injury-smashed Roar can still make finals Dec 17
- Victory find form to beat Roar in A-League Dec 17
- No Victory grudges for Ben Khalfallah Dec 13
- Bautheac injured in Roar's scoreless draw Dec 9
- Battling Roar ready for comforts of home Dec 7
- McKay anoints Caletti as Roar successor Dec 6
- Roar hoping for scheduling help from FFA Dec 4
- Papadopoulos to be punished for spitting Nov 27