Melbourne Victory head coach Kevin Muscat has confirmed exciting youngsters Christian Theoharous, Cameron McGilp and Josh Hope will be part of the travelling squad for Saturday night’s clash with Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
The teenage trio could all debut for Victory, which is missing first-team regulars Besart Berisha, Marco Rojas, James Troisi and Jai Ingham to international duty.
“They’ve all been in and around the system for a little while. They’re all exciting in their own right,” Muscat said.
“It’s brought a lot of energy. All of a sudden, with a serious opportunity to be involved, it’s put a spring in their step and it’s dragged all the other boys with them.
“They’re energetic, all of them, and good footballers. This week one or all of them will get an opportunity, and they’ll be supported by the rest of the team.”
Victory’s undermanned squad is also set to open the door for other players who have been waiting patiently for their chance to gain valuable minutes leading into the Finals Series.
“When you’re talking about Mitch Austin and George Howard, these guys have been around for a little while as well,” Muscat said.
“They get their opportunity, and the way they’ve worked in the last two weeks, the evidence has been that they want to take that opportunity.
“They’ve worked really hard. I’m excited by the fact that they’ve got their opportunity, because they’ve waited a while and now we can unleash them, so to speak.”
Victory’s game against Brisbane will be broadcast live and exclusive on Fox Sports 505 from 7.45pm AEDT.
