A-League All-Star Liam Miller makes his Brisbane Roar debut on Sunday but don’t expect any teething problems for the Perth Glory recruit.
“He just fits in,” said vice-captain Shane Stefanutto. “He understands the way we play straight away.
“He just waltzes in like he’s been here for four years with us.”
After starring for the Glory for two seasons, Miller has been a key acquisition for the Roar on a two-year deal.
The former Manchester United midfielder and Irish international can show it when he lines up against the Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium.
Stefanutto and fellow defender Jade North are expecting nothing less after labelling Miller’s skilful attacking game a perfect match for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 champions.
“The way we play suits him perfectly,” North said. “He’s really fitted into the group and I can’t wait for him to express himself.”
Miller’s signing and the return of club favourite Matt McKay has the Roar confident of returning to the top of the league.
They’ve been the form team of the pre-season, winning all four matches against A-League rivals, but will be without Socceroo McKay on Sunday.
North tipped midfield partners Miller and McKay would add an extra attacking dimension and help share the load with fiery striker Besart Berisha.
“Bes has always been a target that rivals try to close down and worry about,” he said. “Now we can attack all over the park which is great for us.”
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
Liam Miller is such a strange case. Ferguson was almost falling over himself to sign him for ManU from Celtic and then it all just seemed to go wrong. Again though, Roy Keane must have seen something as he took him to Sunderland. I didn't hear any stories about off field problems and there were no major injuries that I'm aware of, his career just 'didn't happen' in the UK. Whatever went wrong, its' clearly to the benefit of the A-League as they've had a quality player still in his prime. Maybe he was lacking at the very highest level I don't know but he's far better than his journeyman club history would suggest. Good to see him doing well.