Brothers Ryan and Tom Strain hope to one day line up together for Adelaide United

FROM Modbury Jets to the English Premier League, Ryan and Tom Strains’ soccer careers have mirrored each other’s. The siblings hope to add another chapter as the first brothers to line up together for Adelaide United.

Ryan Strain has impressed since making his Adelaide United debut earlier this A-League season. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images

FROM Modbury Jets to the English Premier League, Ryan and Tom Strains’ soccer careers have mirrored each other.

The siblings hope to add another chapter to their shared journey by becoming the first brothers to line up together for Adelaide United.

Ryan, 20, had been a revelation since breaking into the Reds first team for the round six win over Western Sydney.

MetroStars striker Tom also had a taste of life in United colours, when he linked up with the club’s youth team at the PSM Makassar Supercup in Indonesia last week. “Every time we watch Ryan play (for Adelaide), we’re really proud as a family,” Tom, 22, said.

“Seeing him in the A-League, it’s like a burning desire to hopefully play with him one day in the red shirt.

Tom Strain has scored 26 goals for Campbelltown City in the past two seasons before moving to MetroStars. Picture: Dean Martin

“I was more than happy to go and represent Adelaide United in Indonesia and it was a great experience.

“I’m really looking forward to the season with MetroStars, but if anything was to eventuate with Adelaide United it would be brilliant.”

The brothers were born in Coventry, England, and moved to SA with their family in 2009.

They played five seasons in the junior ranks at local club Modbury, before catching the eye of Aston Villa and spending four years in the then EPL outfit’s youth system.

Ryan said facing the best young talent from powerhouses such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea had helped him adjust to the A-League.

“It’s been a big step-up and it’s much quicker and intense,” said Ryan, who has played at full back and in midfield in his 10 Reds games this campaign.

“But playing against big teams in England and training every day like they do in the UK is obviously going to help you. Now I just want to try to keep my place in the team and try to get into the finals.”

Ryan credited older sibling Tom for guiding much of his football progress. Even if he recalled the occasional heated moment during backyard games.

“There were a few fights,” said Tom, of growing up together in Tea Tree Gully.

“Even on (the) FIFA (computer game), it’s always been real competitive between me and Tom.

Brothers Tom and Ryan Strain celebrate a victory for Aston Villa’s youth team over Manchester United in 2013. Picture: Supplied

“But he’s really helped me with advice and made me the player I am today. He (Tom) is definitely good enough to pull on the Reds shirt, but he’s just got to keep going and hopefully one day it will happen.”

Tom spent two seasons at Campbelltown City, scoring the Red Devils’ winning goal in the 2016 National Premier League SA grand final.

But the lure of a new challenge attracted him to three-time top flight champion MetroStars this year.

“I came to Metro to hopefully add another championship,” said Tom, who has scored 26 times in the past two campaigns. “I’ve got great memories at Campbelltown, but there’s exciting things to come at MetroStars for sure.”