Jayden Prasad still fighting for Gold Coast Knights starting spot despite two man-of-the-matches

HE has earned man-of-the-match honours twice in six NPL appearances this season but Jayden Prasad remains locked in a battle for a Gold Coast Knights starting spot.

HE has earned man-of-the-match honours twice in six NPL appearances this season but Jayden Prasad remains locked in a battle for a Gold Coast Knights starting spot.

Having starred off the bench in the Knights’ 1-1 derby draw with Gold Coast United in Round 7, the 23-year-old attacker was again at his best in Saturday night’s 2-0 victory over Moreton Bay after being elevated into the run-on side.

Following Sam Smith’s second-minute opener, Prasad delivered the coup de grace in the 53rd minute with his fourth goal of the season.

SURFERS FLEX CUP MUSCLE IN KNIGHTS THUMPING

It was part of a best-on-ground performance for the former Brisbane Roar Youth star, who was also judged the Knights’ best after bagging a hat-trick in their 8-0 drubbing of Redlands United last month.

But with a wealth of talent at his disposal, coach Grae Piddick said there were no guarantees Prasad would be in the starting XI that hosts Lions on Saturday night.

Gold Coast Knights attacker Jayden Prasad. Picture: John Gass

“Everyone in my squad can start. That’s a good position to be in,” Piddick said.

“(Saturday) night there could’ve been a number of people that could’ve been man of the match. That’s what you need to be winning games in the NPL.

“Jayden’s been a bit sick but I think he’s over that now. His second-half performance (against United) was very good and off the back of that he started (on Saturday).

EAGLES SATISFIED WITH DOLPHINS DRAW

“He’s a quality player when everything’s going well for him. I expect even more from him over the next few weeks and the rest of the season.

“I have got to make (selection) decisions every week for that particular game.”

Having joined the Knights from United in the off-season, Prasad said he had slipped seamlessly into life at the Croatian Sports Centre.

“Everything is going well so far, it was an easy switch. I knew half of the boys previously,” he said.

“It was a good performance from the whole team (against Moreton Bay). We all played for each other and it showed.

“I thought I did alright. My job is to create chances and opportunities for the team and as long as I’m doing that I’m doing alright.

DOLPHINS PREVAIL IN GRAND FINAL REMATCH

“It’s been a bit of an up and down start to the season with injury and sickness but I’m feeling good now so hopefully I can stick to a regular starting spot.”

Yesterday proved disappointing for United’s senior NPL sides at Tallebudgera, with the men falling 4-0 to Olympic after the women were beaten 5-1 by Souths United.