Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou’s unwavering faith in Brisbane Premier League product James Meyer has reaped its rewards after the super sub notched up his second game-changing performance in as many games against Wellington Phoenix yesterday.
The 24-year-old scored the dramatic equaliser against Central Coast Mariners a fortnight ago after his side was reduced to ten men and yesterday bagged a late brace against a stubborn Wellington side on his home debut.
He has just 33 minutes of Hyundai A-League action under his belt but with three crucial goals to his name, the ease of Meyer-s transition into football at national level has been astounding.
“It-s a really good feeling to help out the boys and do my bit for the team,” he said.
“I just want to go out there and do my best for the team – the team is always the most important thing.”
Signed to a one-year contract from Eastern Suburbs in the local BPL, Meyer has impressed throughout his appearances for the Roar in the National Youth League this season and continued to put in the hard yards on the training field despite his lack of senior game time.
Over the past five months, Meyer has waited patiently on the sidelines for a chance to make his mark in the Hyundai A-League but never doubted the opportunity would come his way.
“It was more a question of when I was going to get my chance,” he said.
“The gaffer told me I-d be playing at some time this year and I had faith.
“It-s been a bit of an up and down year for me but three goals in two games, I can-t ask for much more than that.
“Hopefully if I get more chances, I-ll take them like I had done with the last few.”
Coach Postecoglou hailed Meyer-s telling involvement after his clinical two goal haul meant Brisbane Roar had equalled the Australian football record of longest unbeaten streak – 22 games.
“James is the latest one whose come in and made significant contributions, not just playing a part,” he said.
“He had a real spark last night, him and Henrique.
“A lot of players take a while to score their first goal and he-s scored three in 30 minutes.
“Hopefully he can continue it because he-s a good lad and he-s worked hard.
“We-re very pleased because you want to see players like that rewarded; he-s done everything right all year.”
