Donachie backs himself in at Victory
Dec 7, 2016 - 5:13 AM James Donachie never expected to play every game at Melbourne Victory, but he wouldn't mind playing a few in a row.Kevin Muscat's defensive signing is one of three recognised centre-backs in the Victory squad, alongside fellow newboy Alan Baro and long-time stopper Nick Ansell.
Under Victory's 4-3-3 system it's a race between the three for two positions, and Donachie isn't winning it.
The former Brisbane Roar man started in round one against his old side when soreness got the better of Ansell.
The next week, Donachie didn't distinguish himself - though not many in navy blue did - in the Melbourne derby, lost 4-1 to Victory's cross-town rivals.
Out the 23-year-old went from the Victory side, until last week when a knee niggle claimed Ansell again.
So now Donachie's back again. But will he stay there?
"Hopefully I can keep him out for a few weeks and hold my spot," he said, fully accepting his lot.
"I came down (to Victory) saying there was going to be competition. I didn't come down here saying I was going to start week in week out.
"It keeps me on my toes and makes me a better player. It's healthy competition."
Baro, 31, has been an ever-present through the season to date, and Donachie said Victory fans had yet to witness his full potential.
"Spanish players are always technically really good players," he said.
"He can knock any ball you want, he's got both feet.
"The more games he gets the more confident he'll grow and the more we'll see of his ability."
In the straight shoot-out to partner the Spaniard, Donachie said he would keep up his effort in between games and hope to hear his name called out on match-day.
"I work my heart out every day and I've been that way since I started as a professional," he said.
"It's decision making and stuff like that I need to work on. If I keep doing that then I'll get closer to being a complete footballer."
Source: AAP
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