McKay backs successor

MATT McKay has no idea if his decorated A-League career will stretch to another season.

But the Brisbane Roar captain knows exactly who he’ll pass the torch to when the time comes – promising teenager Joe Caletti.

McKay and Caletti have kept the Roar’s engine room ticking along in the absence of key midfielder Thomas Kristensen, who is yet to play a single minute this season due to a neural hamstring injury.

McKay admits it’s been a “battle” but one that could prove the making of former Australian under-16s skipper Caletti, who fought his way back after being dropped earlier in the season.

“Joey’s developing his game,” McKay said.

“He comes under a bit of stick from people but I thought his passing game’s improving again. He hasn’t hid. He missed a couple weeks but he’s come back in and been fine.”