Grabbing his chance
Young thankful for Roar opportunities
JAMIE Young has to pinch himself when former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich says he’s the best gloveman in the A-League.
Young’s form has earnt him a new two-season deal with the Roar and 32-year the Brisbane-born custodian could not be happier.
“There’s added nostalgia when you are playing for your hometown club and I love the environment here,” the former Padua College student said
Young has established himself as the Roar’s firstchoice keeper ahead of veteran Michael Theo, with his shot-stopping prowess earning rare praise from ex-Manchester United No.1 Bosnich on Fox Sports this season.
“I looked up to him as a young kid,” Young said.
“Now that he’s even commentating on my games, it’s just one of those things you tick off your list.
“When you look up to somebody and they start talking about you in that way, it’s nice.”
However, Young stressed he was not about take his position for granted.
Having sat on the bench too often for his own liking since joining the Roar in 2014, the former England under-20 international isn’t about to become complacent.
“I like the grind of working hard every day. Those comments are flattering and mean a lot, but in the same way, they don’t mean a lot.
“It’s frustrating when you are on the bench and not playing. I love to play.”
Young, who has made 85 appearances in all competitions for the Roar, said he had also gained inspiration from 36-year-old keeper Brad Jones’s recent Socceroos recall.
Young will again be between the posts tomorrow when the in-form Roar meet Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium in their ongoing push for a finals spot.