With his team on top of the table after beating local rivals Gold Coast United, Brisbane Roar Youth captain Chris Bush is already thinking ahead to this weekend’s clash against his former club, the Australian Institute of Sport.
The 19 year old has been a stand out player for the Roar since he signed from the AIS at the start of the season with his stellar performances and leadership qualities showing why he deserved to be given the captain-s armband in only his first season at the club.
“I wasn-t expecting the captaincy at all, it came as a bit of a surprise to be honest,” said Bush
“I think that Simey (head coach John Sime) liked that I have had a fair bit of experience at this level from my time at the AIS and also my time playing in the national team.
“I-m enjoying the challenge of being captain, it means there is a little bit more on your shoulders but you got to have that leadership and will to win.”
With the Roar Youth travelling down to Canberra this weekend, Bush had plenty of kind words about his time at the AIS.
“I value my time at the AIS very much, you go in as kid and come out a more experienced and mature person,” he said.
“You eat, breathe and live football with your teammates, your coaches are devoted to your development and it really helps you take the next step as a footballer.
“I wouldn-t be the player I am today without the time I spent at the AIS, it really helped maximise my development as a footballer.”
While Bush talks fondly about his time in the nation-s capital, his focus is firmly placed on leading the Roar to success, saying he-s determined to show his former teammates and coaches the further development he has made since the move north.
“I have set myself a little goal to play really well this weekend and show that I have progressed even more since my time at the AIS,” he said.
“We beat the AIS last time and I want the team to go down there and put in a good performance so we can come home with the three points.
“It’s always difficult to get a win away from home, but having to deal with the travel is part of playing in this competition and I-m confident we can get it done.”
Since moving up to Brisbane, Bush claims that the guidance from the Hyundai A-league players at the club have helped him improve his game, citing it as one of the reasons behind his impressive early season form.
“Training with the A-league players is one of the best aspects of being at the club, the older guys provide heaps of guidance to the youth league boys and it really assists in developing our game,” Bush said.
“Unfortunately at the AIS they don-t have the luxury of an A-league side so you really miss out on that extra help you get here in Brisbane.”
With his side leading the competition heading into the halfway point of the National Youth League season, Bush is confident the squad has what it takes to continue their winning ways.
“The young boys in the side are really stepping up and the older guys have been showing the way,” he said.
“Hopefully if we can maintain our good performances the wins will continue.”
