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Sep 07, 2010   |  4:27PM AET

Merrick: Kruse needs eye for goal

Merrick: Kruse needs eye for goal

Melbourne Victory striker Robbie Kruse says coach Ernie Merrick has encouraged him to be more selfish when he gets in goal-scoring positions.

Melbourne Victory striker Robbie Kruse says coach Ernie Merrick has encouraged him to be more selfish when he gets in goal-scoring positions.

Kruse, who is preparing to face his former team Brisbane Roar for the third time since switching clubs early last season, has scored one goal so far in the 2010/11 Hyundai A-League campaign, in the win over Gold Coast in Round 4.

But the 21-year-old is keen to add to his tally ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Roar at AAMI Park and says Merrick has encouraged him and fellow forward Mate Dugandzic to chase more goals.

“It’s disappointing (to lose) but we’ve got to take the positives out of the game,” Kruse said of last Friday night’s defeat to the Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium.

“We are playing good football and if we keep trying to create the chances and playing well hopefully goals will start coming.”

“I’m guilty of that (not shooting for goal) a few times, maybe Mate (Dugandzic) as well.”

“We’re getting into good spots and we’re beating a few players, maybe we’re overdoing it a little bit and we need to get our shots off more like Ernie (Merrick) says.”

“It’s definitely something we’ll be working on during the week and hopefully if I get a few chances on the weekend I can take them.”

Kruse did agree with a laugh though that it could be much worse, Merrick could be telling him to take fewer shots at goal.

“Yeah it’s good to hear we’ve got to be a bit more selfish and I guess that’s what strikers are, selfish,” he added.

“I’m still young, still trying to learn the craft of everything so hopefully I can take it on board and do that.”

Welcoming the extra competition for places that comes with the arrival of Ricardinho, giving Merrick a ‘good headache’ ahead of the Brazilian’s first starting appearance for the club, Kruse is also looking forward to facing his old team.

“It’s exciting to play them again,” Kruse said.

“You always look back and want to prove a point to your old club and I still have a lot of friends there so I’m looking forward to the game.”

“(Coach) Ange (Postecoglou) has done a great job with that team, they’re looking good so it’s going to be a great game.”

“We’re confident in our abilities and we’re confident we’ll get the win.”

“They like to attack so hopefully they come down here and want to press forward and we’ll be doing the same as we always do.”