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Jul 29, 2020   |  1:42AM AET

Brebner backs Acton, Sutton to step up

Brebner backs Acton, Sutton to step up

Melbourne Victory interim Head Coach Grant Brebner is confident with his goalkeeping options for the remainder of the season, following the departure of shot-stopper Lawrence Thomas to Europe.

After 122 Hyundai A-League games with the club, Thomas leaves Victory as a two-time Championship winner.

Victory now has four games remaining of the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season, starting with tonight’s encounter with Brisbane Roar at Bankwest Stadium.

 

Goalkeepers

Thomas’ departure from the club leaves the goalkeeping position in the hands of Matt Acton and Matt Sutton, both of whom are firmly backed by Brebner.

“Acton will take the gloves and Sutton is a fantastic keeper who came through the youth team ranks with myself. If I have to use him I will not hesitate,” Brebner.

Acton has previously made 12 appearances between the sticks for Victory, with Sutton yet to make his senior debut.

“We won’t be looking to bring anybody in for the four remaining games,” confirmed Brebner. “We trust that our two goalkeepers will get us through this period.”

 

Debuts

Aaron Anderson and Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio both made their A-League debuts for Victory against Western United, with Anderson playing a full 90 minutes.

“I think the first game is the easy one,” Brebner said.

“The second is harder because now we have seen what they’re about, they’ve got to back it up.”

While Brebner is keen to provide opportunities for the youngsters, the Scotsman insists on picking eleven players based on merit.

“I have to stress that I am not just going to play kids to get plaudits,” he said.

“If there is a senior player that deserves to be playing, he will play. If the youngsters are showing that they want to train better and their enthusiasm merits a starting place then they will play.”

Brisbane Roar

Andrew Nabbout’s 19th minute winner was enough to split Melbourne and Brisbane in Round 3 at Suncorp Stadium – the last meeting between the two sides.

“Brisbane are going to be a tough opposition for us. We have seen the way they set up with and without the ball and we will be well rehearsed,” said Brebner.

“We are just trying to focus on what we need to do better, from what we didn’t do the other night. If we can execute that, we will be in a better place to keep the ball.”