Christian Theoharous ready to lead teen charge for Melbourne Victory in Asian Champions League

MELBOURNE Victory winger Christian Theoharous believes he and his teenage cohorts are ready to make an Asian Champions League impact.

Melbourne Victory teenager Christian Theoharous says he and his fellow youngsters are ready to take their chance in the Asian Champions League.

MELBOURNE Victory winger Christian Theoharous believes he and his teenage cohorts are ready to make an Asian Champions League impact.

Theoharous has identified Asia as a crucial chance to impress with the A-League season shorter and fielding less teams than most leagues around the world.

Youngsters have traditionally got more openings in Asia at Victory and other clubs, and Josh Hope’s impressive substitute appearance last Friday suggested that more minutes loom.

Theoharous, who made his first A-League start last week after trickling to 92 senior minutes in 10 substitute appearances, is confident of continuing the trend of emerging local talents.

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“It’s my first time being involved (in Asia). We’ve got a lot of strong teams in our group, especially Shanghai coming with players like Oscar and Hulk,’’ Theoharous said.

“We look like the underdogs, but we can put up a great fight with the players we’ve got and the experience of Bes (Berisha), Carl (Valeri), Jimmy (Troisi) and Leroy (George).

“Even the youngsters are more than ready, perfectly ready to get time.

Melbourne Victory teenager Christian Theoharous says he and his fellow youngsters are ready to take their chance in the Asian Champions League.

“Champions League is a good opportunity with midweek games, but we’ll see what happens.

“There’s a lot of talent in the A-League. I don’t think there’s enough teams (to give players opportunities).

“(Daniel) Arzani, Nathaniel Atkinson, Jacob Italiano. There’s a lot more (coming through). There’s a lot of hard work (for us) and it’s about taking the opportunities with both hands.

“The European are playing 50 games a year. Eight games in the youth league isn’t enough.”

Theoharous, 18, said he was more nervy making his debut off the bench away to Brisbane Roar last season than first start.

With ambitions of playing in one of the top five teams in the world’s “big five” leagues, he knows he must capitalise.

“I’ve definitely got a lot more to give with the ball,’’ he said.

“I didn’t know I was going to start, so you’ve got to be ready for anything.

“I’m just taking it step by step and trying to get as much game time as possible — seniors or youth.”

Victory coach Kevin Muscat said Theoharous was firmly in his plans.

“I thought in his first start, while he was serviceable and he didn’t let anyone down, all of a sudden the realisation of what’s expected (sets in),’’ Muscat said.

“Without doubt he will have a chance to influence games. With the young players and specifically Theoharous, he’s certainly got weapons, that’s there for everyone to see.

“Putting yourself in a position to execute the strengths and understanding, working to put yourself in those positions is the next part of his game.”