Henrique ready to roar on forward
PERENNIAL super- sub Henrique has vowed to maintain the pressure on Danish winger Tobias Mikkelsen in their battle for a starting spot in Brisbane Roar’s best 11.
While Eric Bautheac and Adam Taggart are seemingly entrenched in the Roar’s three- man forward line, Henrique and Mikkelsen are fighting for the other berth.
Off- season recruit Mikkelsen has so far had the edge, starting in three of the Roar’s four A- League matches this season.
However, three- time championship winner Henrique started ahead of the Dane in the Roar’s 2- 1 loss to Perth Glory on November 3, and has three times replaced Mikkelsen in the second half of matches.
How Henrique best serves the Roar, whether it be as a starter or as an impact player off the bench, has been a constant topic of debate since the Brazilian- Australian first arrived at the club in 2009.
The 33- year- old attacking livewire has maintained his desire to play from the opening whistle but will do what’s best for the Roar, who are chasing their first win of the season when they host Melbourne City at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
“Obviously I want to start every game, but I’m cool with the decision that the coach ( John Aloisi) is making – I have no problem with that,” Henrique said.
“I work even harder when I’m on the bench to get into the starting 11 and help the team, and that’s the main thing. The team is always the most important thing to any player.”