Brisbane Roar could be down to their third-choice goalkeeper for their A-League semi-final after Jamie Young was injured in a 3-0 defeat to Muangthong United that has ended their AFC Champions League hopes.
The Roar cannot make it out of their group despite a gallant effort in Thailand from a second-string side fielded by coach John Aloisi, who has saved most of his best players for Sunday’s grand final qualifier against Melbourne Victory.
But the biggest concern surrounds Young, who was forced off after suffering a large, deep cut to his arm on Wednesday night in a nasty collision with the goalpost as Muangthong scored their 37th-minute opener.
Former Newcastle United striker Xisco deftly headed home Tristan Do’s cross via the upright, into which Young clattered as he tracked the flight of the ball through the air.
The 31-year-old, who came into the team after first-choice goalkeeper Michael Theo injured his knee last week, appeared to catch his elbow on a dangerously-exposed and rusty hook on the post, which was left smeared in blood.
The same goalmouth was also inspected at length by officials before the match who found the net was not properly secured, leading kick-off to be delayed by five minutes.
Youngster Tomislav Bilic was brought on for Young, who could be in doubt for Sunday’s clash with Victory at AAMI Park if the wound is as serious as it appeared to be and doesn’t heal in time.
The Asian Football Confederation will be expected to come down hard on Muangthong if old or faulty equipment is found to be the cause of injury.
Brisbane Roar managing director Mark Kingsman tweeted: “How can this be allowed in our elite club competition?”
Aloisi rotated his squad heavily with Young, Thomas Broich, Nick D’Agostino and Luke DeVere the only starters for Brisbane who were involved in Friday’s elimination final win against Western Sydney.
Only D’Agostino played the full 90 minutes, which the Roar grew into after a meek start.
But they ultimately lacked the poise and polish of the Thai Premier League champions, who had most of the play and the better of the chances, and the visitors faded badly late on.
Chanathip Songkrasin iced the victory with his 83rd-minute goal, guaranteeing them a spot in the ACL’s knockout stage for the first time, while Teerasil Dangda delivered the final blow six minutes later.
KJ
Roar Rookie
Agree. And it's amazing how they play better with better players around them.
Brisvegas
Guest
Pepper might make it into the Charleville reserve side if he upped his game a notch or five.
Waz
Guest
The thing is with "gems" is you have to polish them in order to appreciate them. In football terms that means play them, coach them, play them again to see improvement. Rowles, Crestani and D'aggers impressed me
Waz
Guest
Plate and toilet seat winners qualify directly. Then the next highest place on the ladder. So Perth will qualify at our expense if they were to win it
BES
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately - much as I dont want to rain on the parade - I have to agree with your final paragraph BV. You could probably add Pepper to that even shorter list of 'barely so'
BES
Roar Rookie
Even if that is NOT the case - I'd rather we miss out on a year of ACL then SFC win anything.... GO PERTH!! I say....
BES
Roar Rookie
?? I thought it was the first 3 past the post in the HAL now who got the spots in the ACL Waz?
TK
Guest
True but that is a WHOLE other discussion. I also object to grass roots clubs paying what are essentially amatuer players rather than putting funds into coaching and infrastructure. I object to the high cost of partipation for kids in npl and the like meaning it is likely populated by the kids from families who can afford it rather than the most talented. I also object to poking bits of metal that rip our keepers arm open. Theres lots that could be improved and money and the best use of it (on which opinion is also divided) is at the heart.( but I agree governing bodies generally suck their fair share from the sauce bottle).
Realfootball
Guest
The Thais are a damned good team. Very impressed. Love their stadium. Exactly what the Roar need in Brisbane. No more underestimating Thai football, folks.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Watching the few highlights that have been shown on this ACL fixture, it's amazing to see how the Asians, have embraced the ACL. Sadly, in Australia, we see these games as a burden to be participating in, come finals time. (Especially when, SFC, are the Premiers and no matter what happens in the finals, SFC, are the real Champions). I wish we had club managers with more balls to say we are going to make the ACL, our priority, and stuff the finals. And force the FFA, FOX inc. and the Australian public, to get behind the ACL, making it, the true Holy Grail, of Australian Football.
Lionheart
Guest
I thought the Roar boys did pretty well, given the team's core was essentially the youth team that plays in the NPL. Lots of fixes needed for our ACL teams though, not least squad size and scheduling. It's a tough gig with little return, only obstacles. Roar may be out but I'm still looking forward to the Ulsan game at home. Any news on Jamie Young?
Waz
Guest
Agree TK, but the statement "The cost benefit is a bit sketchy given the current environment" could also be applied to the HAL. It's long overdue for the ffa to stop milking the clubs money "for the good of the game" ... and they could start by allocating TV money for the ACL back to participants
TK
Guest
I don't love it as much Waz but would probably be more keen if it didn't cost the clubs so much to compete in. The cost benefit is a bit sketchy given the current environment.
Brisvegas
Guest
It was a bit disappointing that Brisbane used the game as a trial match for the youth squad. I like the ACL, but it doesn't seem to work well with the A-League schedule and I suppose you have to make a choice about which is more important at some stage. It really highlights the limitations of A-league squads. As for the trialists, it was probably a good experience for them and it'll be great for their development as footballers, but I didn't see any faintly glowing gems there - maybe Daggers. The rest looked competent - Ingham and Brady barely so.
KJ
Roar Rookie
Has this been one of the unluckiest seasons for the Road? And we still come 3rd. Hopefully Jamie's injury is not as bad as it looked, but if it is, I wonder who our 4th keeper will be. I wonder what approach the club will take to AFC regarding the incident also. Crazy.
Waz
Guest
I love the ACL; this was a fantastic opponent, in a go-to-destination, in a tidy little stadium against an opponent that can play some good football. What's not to like about the ACL? Sure the adult squad sizes are too small to compete in two competitions, and the scheduling is awful with the ffa seemingly intent on handicapping Australian participants before they set foot on the field, and it's expensive (Roar will lose sbout $500k on this seasons exercise), and the little TV money that comes in the ffa keep for themselves (you know, because they can, they're in charge 'n' all) .... but the quirks don't dull what is a great competition. The only reason I'll be wanting SFC to win on Saturday (excuse me while I'm physically sick at this point) is to ensure Roar are there one more year ? there's always next season