New Gold Coast United goalkeeper Duro Dragicevic hoping to bring new edge to NPL squad

FORMER Joeys star Duro Dragicevic is hoping he can bring a new edge to Gold Coast United as he fights to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

FORMER Joeys star Duro Dragicevic is hoping he can bring a new edge to Gold Coast United as he fights to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

A member of the 2015 Australian side that competed at the Under-17 World Cup in Chile, Dragicevic was a last-minute addition to United’s NPL squad before their season-opening 3-2 loss to Moreton Bay.

NPL DEBUT AN ‘EYE OPENER’ FOR THWAITE

The 19-year-old made 22 appearances for Sydney FC in the NPL NSW last season, but warmed the bench for United on Saturday night as coach Kristian Rees opted for Griffin Bambach in goal.

Dragicevic’s arrival at the club has reunited him with goalkeeping coach Fernando Vas Alves, who first crossed paths with the Runaway Bay junior in the national under-17 set up.

New Gold Coast United goalkeeper Duro Dragicevic.

“I was fortunate enough to work with Fernando previously at the AIS,” said Dragicevic, whose stellar youth career also included a stint with the FFA Center of Excellence side in the National Youth League.

“He has a lot of experience with both A-League and national teams and he’s definitely played a role in shaping the keeper I am today. I’m keen to be back working with him.

KNIGHTS FOCUSED ON NPL POSITIVES

“Our (United) coach, Kristian, is an ex A-League player so he knows the ins and outs of the game, which will be a huge help to the younger boys especially with their roles and positioning.

“Hopefully I can bring some of my knowledge to some of the boys who haven’t had the opportunity to be within an A-league environment. I’d like to just bring the same intensity to training and keep raising the bar within the team.”

Dragicevic at Joeys training in 2015. Picture: FFA

Rees said the signing of Dragicevic was in line with the club’s focus on developing local talent.

“He’s another local Gold Coast boy and will be a great addition to the squad,” Rees said.

STAR SIGNING HAPPY TO PLAY HIS PART

“Duro was highly recommended to me by our goalkeeper coach, Fernando Vas Alves. After a chat with ex-GCU player and Sydney under-20s coach Shane Smeltz about him, it was an easy decision to bring him on board.”

United host Lions FC in Round 2 on Saturday night.