Deserved double milestone for star Gold Coast footballer

JUSTYN Mckay will play his 150th NPL match and 50th for Gold Coast United when the skipper runs out against Magpies Crusaders in Mackay on Saturday night.

Mckay has been one of the best and most consistent midfielders in Gold Coast football for the past decade.

With current United coach Grae Piddick at the helm, Mckay was part of the 2014 Palm Beach side which won the NPL Queensland double.

He remained at the club until 2017, when the then-Gold Coast City folded.

Alongside Piddick, Mckay moved to Gold Coast Knights, winning the 2018 Gold Coast Premier League double, before returning to United in the NPL in 2019 where he has played since.

“I didn’t give it much thought to be honest, though it doesn’t surprise me because I’ve been around for a long time,” Mckay said of the looming milestone match.

“I had the 100 games come up back in 2017 and had a couple of seasons in the NPL since, so I knew it would be coming up.”

Mckay said he was “not one for the limelight” but was thankful his teammates and the club at large had made a point to recognise the feat.

“The club has had quite a few milestones to celebrate lately … it’s nice that they recognise these things because it can be easy to just pass them by,” he said.

“We have some great people behind the scenes.”

In Mckay’s three years at the club United’s best finish to a season was 7th, in 2019.

He says the 2021 squad has potential to be the best yet.

“From a results point of view it’s been a tough three years but I’ve actually really enjoyed it,” Mckay said.

“There’s a real nice feel at the club and some incredibly talented people here.

“I definitely feel the squad we have now, we’re capable of getting results in the second half of the season and pushing for one of those top four spots.”

Niggling injuries hampered Mckay’s start to the 2021 campaign but the skipper has returned to form and fitness in recent weeks.

He scored the opening goal in last weekend’s 2-0 win against Redlands United – an impressive volley from the top of the box.

“I’ve been joking all week that’s my one for the season but I’d like to think I have another two or three in me for the rest of the year,” Mckay said.

United would appreciate another worldie from their skipper on the road against Magpies Crusaders on Saturday night, in what shapes as a must-win if the team is to begin its charge up the ladder.

“It’s never easy to travel (to Mackay), but I think it’s a great chance to spend some time together as a team before the game,” Mckay said.

“Getting back-to-back wins is a massive thing for us. We need to find consistency in results if we’re going to challenge for the top four.”