Brisbane Roar Youth vice-captain Ross Archibald is starting to find his feet in the leadership role handed to him by Head Coach John Sime.
Brisbane Roar Youth vice-captain Ross Archibald is starting to find his feet in the leadership role handed to him by Head Coach John Sime.
The 18-year-old was named as skipper Jason Geria-s deputy this season after several years within the Roar set-up.
With Geria still away at the AFC Under 19 Championship with the Qantas Young Socceroos, Archibald will again wear the captain-s armband in tomorrow-s National Youth League clash away to Melbourne Heart.
“I-ve been one of the younger boys in the team for the past few years and now, with the younger squad, I-ve got that leadership role,” he said.
“Now, I have to stand up and lead by example for those boys.
“It-s been a big step up training with the first team every day and I think my performance in Perth was good but I think I struggled against Melbourne, partly to do with my back.
“I-m confident of a good performance against Melbourne tomorrow.”
Coach Sime opted for a blend of youth and experience in his National Youth League 2012/13 squad but being a former Queensland Academy of Sport graduate himself, Archibald is familiar with a lot of the new faces in the playing group.
“The team is gelling pretty well – We-ve got a much younger team this year but I think each game we-re collectively getting better,”
“They-re all QAS boys so I-ve been involved with them at some point in their short football careers.
“I think they-ll learn a lot from playing with the Roar and our style of play here.”
A long day awaits Archibald and the rest of the Roar Youth travelling squad tomorrow but the versatile midfielder was keen to concentrate on the football.
“Melbourne have a good side this year and I know a few of the boys in that team,” he said.
“It-ll be another test for us and we-re looking to bounce back from our game against the Victory.
“Down in the morning and back home at night – I guess that-s just the joys of being a footballer!
“You-ve got to be able to adapt to that and hopefully we can bring home the three points.”
Brisbane Roar Youth play Melbourne Heart Youth on Saturday, 3 November at John Cain Memorial Oval, Melbourne. Kick-off is at 3pm AEST and 2pm Queensland time. Live match updates available at Twitter.com/BrisbaneRoar
