Brisbane coach John Alosi defends his team selection as Roar slump again

BRISBANE coach John Aloisi has defended his decision to drop keeper Jamie Young despite the move failing to inspire the Roar against Adelaide United.

A-League Rd 15 - Melbourne v Brisbane

BRISBANE coach John Aloisi has defended his decision to drop Jamie Young in favour of five-time championship-winning goalkeeper Michael Theo despite the move having failed to inspire the Roar against Adelaide United.

Young produced a man-of-the-match performance against Perth at the start of the month but was dumped to the bench on Friday night, seemingly made a scapegoat for the Roar’s 4-0 away loss to Melbourne Victory a week earlier.

Theo’s presence did little to improve the Roar, with Adelaide thumping Brisbane 4-1 at Suncorp Stadium.

Theo’s inclusion was not the only surprise selection, with Aloisi keeping faith with Spanish midfielder Javier Hervas despite his poor display against the Victory.

Hervas again failed to fire against the Reds and was replaced in the 65th minute by Steve Lustica.

Hervas seems at long odds to start for a third successive match when the Roar meet Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, but Theo, who has only made seven A-League appearances since the start of last season due to injury and Young’s recent form, is likely to retain his spot.

“Theo has won five championships, has got a lot of experience and has been working hard,” Aloisi said.

“It was a good time to bring him in because he’s been fit for six weeks now. I didn’t throw him in straight away. He’s been outstanding in training and (as an over-age player) in the youth team.

“At the beginning of the season he was my No.1 and he’s the most successful goalkeeper in the A-League.

“Jamie’s done well and I’m lucky to have two great keepers, but I think that Michael deserves to be starting.”

While Theo is safe, there will undoubtedly been changes next weekend as Aloisi seeks to arrest a concerning form slump.

It is a no-brainer that Olyroos pair Jamie Maclaren and Brandon Borrello will return to the Roar’s forward line.

While they were away at the Asian under-23 championships, the Roar scored just one goal in three games, and that came from a contentious Henrique penalty on Friday night.

Henrique’s run in the starting team is almost certainly over. There is no doubt he is more effective as a late threat off the bench.

Dimitri Petratos’s good understanding with Borrello should see him revert to a midfield role after he was used on the wing against the Reds, while the Roar’s other returning Olyroo, defender James Donachie, will push for a starting berth, most likely at the expense of Daniel Bowles.

Originally published as Brisbane coach John Alosi defends his team selection as Roar slump again