Brisbane striker Aaron Amadi-Holloway prepares for battle with Phoenix hard man

Football fans should prepare for a battle royal when powerful striker Aaron Amadi-Holloway renews hostilities with Phoenix defender Steven Taylor on Saturday.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway of the Roar (left) reacts after losing the ball during the Round 6 A-League match between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City at Dolphin Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, November 17, 2019. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Powerful Brisbane striker Aaron Amadi-Holloway will renew acquaintances with old foe Steven Taylor on Saturday when the Roar aim for back-to-back wins by beating cellar dwellers Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium.

No-nonsense defender Taylor crossed paths with Amadi-Holloway in the 2017-18 English League One season, when they played for Peterborough and Oldham respectively.

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Aaron Amadi-Hollowayknows what to expect when he comes up against Steven Taylor of the Phoenix. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

It promises to be a battle royal between the pair, with Phoenix skipper Taylor unlikely to take a backwards step as he attempts to nullify the might of the former Welsh youth international.

Starting for the first time for the Roar in a competitive match, Amadi-Holloway was immense in Brisbane’s fighting 4-3 weekend win over Melbourne City at Dolphin Stadium.

While strike partner Roy O’Donovan stole the headlines with a hat-trick, Amadi-Holloway also played a crucial role in not only scoring a goal but proving a constant menace for City with his size, strength and smarts.

Powerful defender Steven Taylor (right) will present a challenge for Amadi-Holloway and the Roar. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

“I’m buzzing to get my first goal in my first start in the league. Hopefully I can improve on that and get a few more,” he said.

On his impending tussle with Taylor, Amadi-Holloway knows what to expect.

“I’ve played against him a couple of times, (and) I know what sort of player he is. I watched him play a lot when he was in the premiership (with Newcastle). I know what kind of game it’s going to be for me if I play,” he said. “He’s strong, he’s smart, and he knows the game well.”

Aaron Amadi-Holloway of the Roar in action during the Round 6 A-League match between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City at Dolphin Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

While bracing himself for a physical encounter, Amadi-Holloway said Taylor was “not going to get away” with any foul play due to “all the cameras” in use.

Amadi-Holloway joked that he was ready to kick teammate Stefan Mauk out of the way in lunging for Jai Ingham’s headed pass that he poked into the net as part of the Roar’s stirring comeback from 3-1 down against competition leaders City.

“I got a bit of a message saying be a bit more selfish,” said the 26-year-old marksman, who often uses his height and strength to give the ball to teammates.

“Usually … I will try to link somebody because nobody will complain if I chest it, someone gets it and scores.”

Originally published as Brisbane striker Aaron Amadi-Holloway prepares for battle with Phoenix hard man