Ryan Strain says his switch from Aston Villa to Adelaide was vindicated by FFA Cup final triumph
RYAN Strain’s switch from English Championship side Aston Villa to Adelaide United has been vindicated by Tuesday night’s FFA Cup victory.
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RYAN Strain says his switch from Aston Villa to Adelaide was vindicated with career-first silverware in the 2-1 FFA Cup final triumph against Sydney FC at Hindmarsh.
Reds manager Marco Kurz never raised a trophy through an exalted Bundesliga career before toppling the Sky Blues in the FFA Cup decider, fanning the euphoria for Strain.
“Marco has played at the top level for years but never in a final. There are very good players who never play in a final. It is a big achievement for the club, it hasn’t really sunk in,” Strain said.
Coventry-born Strain, 21, spent four years in the youth program at Villa Park before deciding to reunite with family in Adelaide and target an A-League career.
The agonising decision to leave Birmingham and pursue professional football in Australia paid off.
“It was a good night, brilliant to be honest. I haven’t won a trophy. I had the years at Aston Villa but thought it was best to come back,” said Strain, with 18 A-League games since debuting last season.
“Two years ago I was playing in the youth team and never thought I would be playing and winning an FFA Cup with Adelaide United. It’s unbelievable, a special night for and the team.”
Strain had the perfect vantage point watching from right wing as superstar Craig Goodwin launched a matchwinning brace from the left.
Strain was still at Villa when Goodwin won an A-League title with Adelaide in 2015-16 but noted the former Socceroo was on a different level after two years at Sparta Rotterdam.
“He is a great player, scores goals and retains the ball. Those two goals were special,” said Strain.
“He has trained with the best players in Europe and it shows.”
Strain was forced to play at right wing rather than his preferred right back with Ben Halloran leading the line to due to injury sidelining strikers Baba Diawara and George Blackwood.
However, Strain said Adelaide — under Kurz — backed its versatility and fitness to defy adversity.
“It is difficult, a few of us playing out of position but we did a job. You have to adapt to wherever the coach puts you,” said Strain.
“It is the fittest I have every been. I used to be 79kg now I am 75kg. I feel quicker on the pitch.
“It will be tough to get a starting spot with guys like Ryan Kitto and Nikola Mileusnic coming back. Every training session you have to battle for your spot, it makes everyone perform better.”