Melbourne Heart FC’s National Youth League defender Craig Goodwin has been named in an extended 16-man squad for the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Melbourne Heart FC-s National Youth League defender Craig Goodwin has been named in an extended 16-man squad for the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Goodwin, 20, has been a feature of Heart-s youth line-up this season, impressing his forays from left back, with his pace and crossing ability earmarking him as a potential Hyundai A-League player of the future.
However, with Olyroos Aziz Behich, Mate Dugandzic and Jason Hoffman unavailable due to international duty, Goodwin-s path to the first team has been fast-tracked, featuring in training with Head Coach John van ‘t Schip-s side throughout the last fortnight.
Whether Goodwin is ultimately named in the final match day squad though remains to be seen, as van ‘t Schip considers the various options at his disposal, including a potential introduction for Paul Reid.
The two-time Socceroo has impressed in his outings in the National Youth League, demonstrating the poise and composure which saw him feature as a lynchpin of Adelaide United-s charge to the AFC Champions League Final and FIFA Club World Cup in 2008.
Midfielder Wayne Srhoj is another in serious contention to return to Hyundai A-League action, having missed the last month through injury.
Srhoj, who was overlooked for selection last week, provides van ‘t Schip with an assured presence in the middle of the park, enabling van ‘t Schip to potentially deploy Argentine Jonatan Germano in an advance role in place of the injured Matt Thompson.
Brazilian striker Maycon is the other inclusion to the squad, offering depth and variation in attack through his tireless work ethic and strength.
Van ‘t Schip though does boast a wealth of attacking options in Eli Babalj, David Williams and Alex Terra, who combined with winger Rutger Worm, provide Heart with a pacey yet versatile front third.
Melbourne Heart FC squad: 1.Clint Bolton (GK), 2.Michael Marrone, 3.Brendan Hamill, 4.Simon Colosimo, 7.Rutger Worm, 8.Kristian Sarkies, 9.Maycon, 10.Wayne Srhoj, 11.Alex Terra, 13.Jonatan Germano, 15.David Williams, 18.Curtis Good, 19.Eli Babalj, 26.Paul Reid, 27.Craig Goodwin, 30.Sebastian Mattei (GK)
*one to be omitted*
In: Wayne Srhoj, Paul Reid, Craig Goodwin, Maycon (all promoted)
Out: Matt Thompson (knee – 4 weeks), 16.Aziz Behich (Qantas Australian U23 duty), 17.Jason Hoffman (Qantas Australian U23 duty), 23.Mate Dugandzic (Qantas Australian U23 duty)
Unavailable: Fred (groin – 2 weeks), Nick Kalmar (back – 2 weeks), Kliment Taseski (foot – 1 week)
