A-League: Transfer talk no distraction for Roar, says Oar

Tommy Oar is adamant the constant speculation regarding his future is having no adverse effect on the club.

Tommy Oar and teammates enjoy a laugh at Brisbane Roar training Picture: Liam Kidston.

Brisbane Roar midfielder Tommy Oar is adamant the constant speculation regarding his future and that of several teammates is having no adverse effect on the club as it prepares for a busy schedule involving the A-League and the Asian Champions League campaign.

The Queenslanders have had to contend with suggestions for much of the season that they could lose the likes of Oar, star attackers Jamie McLaren and Dimi Petratos as well as coach John Aloisi and his assistant, brother Ross.

Much of the talk has surrounded McLaren, who is understood to be weighing up between offers from European clubs and staying in the A-League. The issue has seemingly affected his form with Aloisi starting him from the bench in the past two games.

Oar has not been exempt from speculation. Reports have surfaced that, like McLaren, he would be a target during the January transfer window. But, the Socceroo says he is happy at the Roar and appears set to at least finish the season with them.

“There’s lot of rumours around but I have not heard anything substantial,’’ Oar said when asked about his situation. “I can’t see any reason why anything would change for me.

“Besides, my focus is purely on playing well and helping the club win a trophy.’’

In terms of the rest of the squad, Oar said the situation had done nothing to harm the environment at the club despite the fact Roar had suffered three straight losses before the win over Wellington Phoenix last Saturday.

“It has not been a distraction at all,’’ Oar said. “If you look at the intensity of the training sessions and the competitiveness of the squad, you will see that.

“It’s been a good environment in the team, a very competitive one as well. I think everyone is just concentrating on having to perform every week to keep their place in the team.’’

Asked about the “general chatter’’ in the dressing room on the situation, Oar said there had been no talk about transfers or players leaving and suggested no one was likely to leave in this transfer window. “It is a private thing, it is up to the individual,’’ he said. “It doesn’t concern the whole team. We are just focused on doing well. All the players are here for the rest of the season as far as we know.

“It’s a good group of boys and we want to win something this year.’’

The Roar, who will start their ACL qualifying campaign early next month, face a tough contest this week against a Western Sydney side back on track following a comfortable 2-0 win against Newcastle Jets on Sunday. They are likely to welcome back key attacker Brett Holman, who has been sidelined for eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery.

“Everyone knows what Brett brings for us,’’ Oar said. “He has a lot of experience and was doing very well until he got injured.

“It will be terrific to have him back because he adds so much more to us, especially with a really busy period coming up.’’