[size=7]Adam Hughes shows intent[/size]

RICHARD EARLE
July 10, 2009 12:00am

UNCOMPROMISING Adam Hughes has landed the first hit in the tussle to break into Adelaide United's bulging midfield set-up.

Hughes scored a brace, Francesco Monterosso and Scott Jamieson one each in the Reds' 4-0 demolition of a South Australian XI at Hindmarsh on Tuesday night. Irish Premier League recruit Hughes wants plenty more goals this season.

"It was good to get on the scoresheet against the state team," said Hughes, following the victory without eight regulars including defenders Robert Cornthwaite, Daniel Mullen, midfield quartet Shin In Sup, Paul Reid, Fabian Barbiero, Cassio and forwards Cristiano and Lloyd Owusu.

"The first one came from something we have been working on, timing our runs while the second one was just being in the right place at the right time."

United coach Aurelio Vidmar has a plethora of midfield stocks to choose from with Hughes, Reid and Barbiero also providing gut-running options in 2009-10.

Any point of difference could count double.

"If you can keep things ticking over it is good for confidence. A habit of scoring goals is something good to have," noted renowned box-to-box traveller Hughes.

Central midfielder Hughes was a regular scorer for Drogheda United.

"I always seem to score an average of eight goals a season," said the 183cm tough nut. "It is something I have worked on throughout my career. I spend a little bit of time at the end of a session on finishing."

Vidmar will also have rich midfield talent in Lucas Pantelis, Cassio, Kristian Sarkies, Shin In Sup and skipper Travis Dodd to fit into any formation in 2009-10.

It's a case of more competition the better.

"It is good to have competition all over the park, that is what a decent football club is all about. If someone is not performing another person steps in," Hughes said.

"If injuries occur you have people who can step straight in. We have a good squad here and people will be fighting for places from the word go."

Hughes said the Reds' middle men will need to fire to avoid putting undue pressure on a revamped back four and make life easier for star forward addition Owusu.

"It is something we have to make sure we dominate through the season," said Hughes. "A lot of games are won in the middle of the park, so whoever is on top there frees the boys up front to do their magic."

Now, Hughes is relishing a hit-out against A-League opposition and it doesn't come any more formidable than perennial nemesis and league champion Melbourne Victory on July 26 in Launceston.

"It has taken a little adapting here as we had four or five week pre-seasons in Ireland," he said.

"It will be another good test. It's all about the build-up to round one. It's a case of going out as hard in these friendly matches as we can."

Adelaide United should try and organise some big name friendlies for next year. The buzz it gives the sport here in Adelaide should be good.

Agreed. Still annoyed that the Inter game never happened, that would have gotten an enormous crowd.

[size=7]Cassio puts injury woes behind him[/size]

RICHARD EARLE
July 13, 2009 12:00am

IMPRESSED by the quality of marquee recruits hitting the A-League, Adelaide United jewel Cassio has vowed to make this season his best for the Reds.

Cassio, 29, is the prototype import A-League clubs crave - brilliant, loyal and a turnstile clicker.

But the Brazilian doesn't intend to be overshadowed by a returning Socceroo contingent, headed by Jason Culina, the presence of former England international Robbie Fowler or a fleet of Samba arrivals.

"It is very good for the competition with quality players coming in. It makes everyone lift the standard," said Cassio, the club champion in his debut 2007-08 campaign at Hindmarsh.

"You have Perth Glory, with three Socceroos coming home, and Culina at the Gold Coast.

"There's Karol Kisel at Sydney FC and Robbie Fowler will be great with North Queensland. These big names come and generally want to prove they are great players."

Cassio is recovering from an ankle injury caused by United's pre-season training at rock-hard Thebarton Oval.

Yet he said the inconvenience was nothing compared to the series of calf strains that stopped a "good season being great" in 2008-09.

"I actually think this year will be my best at Adelaide," said Cassio, who started 13 of 16 A-League fixtures last season.

"I am determined to score goals and help get us to the finals again and, hopefully, win this time.

"I hurt my calf three times last year. I was very upset about it as I wanted to help the team.

"I had a very good season in my first year at left back. Last year was good also but the bad thing was my calf issues and sometimes they can't fix you properly."

Cassio has inside knowledge on a host of Samba A-League additions, including Gold Coast United trio Robson, Jefferson and Milson, and Roar winger Henrique.

"Robson was only 17 when we played together for two years at Flamengo," recalled Cassio, who is "happily" contracted for another two seasons at Hindmarsh.

"He is a fantastic player, can do anything with the ball. I am looking forward to playing against him and guys like Henrique."

Cassio said it was also important not to overlook hidden gems in your own backyard, such as under-utilised team-mate Alemao.

"You can expect big things from Alemao in his second season. He's training hard every day and is extremely talented," Cassio said.

"Cristiano will benefit from Lloyd Owusu in attack, as well."

Left back remains Cassio's favoured position but he is happy to continue his midfield role to maximise team balance.

"Last season was my first away from left back, moving to midfield," Cassio explained.

"I prefer left back but Scott Jamieson did a great job there. He is such great young player and when we play together we have a lot of good combinations."

Source: AdelaideNow

"I prefer left back but Scott Jamieson did a great job there. He is such great young player and when we play together we have a lot of good combinations."

Where are all the other Reds supporters on this forum??? Is anyone heading down to Launceston for the friendly against Melbourne?

I blame the lack of news and developments to talk about

Just heard from my mate at Raisers that they are going to be playing AUFC again. AUFC gave the club great wraps for the quality of the match and the pitch - I think the support was also part of it. Really glad to hear they are playing them again!