Fire to take on Superstars

Travis Meyn | 19th May 2010


TONIGHT'S match between the Sunshine Coast Fire and the contestants from Fox 8's Football Superstar show will be more than just a friendly encounter.

Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou has said he would be looking for strong performances from Fire players.

The Fire will host the team at Stockland Park.

Postecoglou won’t be there because the Roar is playing a practice match tonight, but he said would have a close look at a replay of the match.

Fire star Tyson Holmes trained with the Roar and Adelaide United last year in the hope of scoring an A-League contract, and Postecoglou hinted the midfielder was still on the Roar’s watch list.

“Tyson is one and I know there are a few young players that are doing very well for the Fire,” Postecoglou said yesterday.

“I plan to get down there and watch them over the next few weeks.

“There are a few on the radar and we’ll keep tabs on them.

“I’m being kept well aware of how they’re going. There’s some talent up there for sure and if we see anyone we think is up to it we’ll bring them in.”

Some of the country’s outstanding young prospects will turn out against the Fire. Postecoglou said the match would be a good opportunity for the Fire players to test themselves.

“They’re very young but they’re a talented group of players,” he said of the opposition.

“They’ve already had a couple of games against the Strikers and AIS and they did very well.

“The winning player gets a contract with us but there are definitely more who have got what it takes to play in the A-League.

“There’s no doubt it’s a good test for everyone. It’s the kind of thing you need to measure yourselves against.

“Sometimes when you play in one competition it’s hard to judge where you’re at as a club and as a player. When you bring in other players and other teams it’s good for individuals to test themselves.”

The Fire will face the Roar in a friendly match on June 30 in Gympie.

Sunshine Coast coach Aston Bell said the two matches were golden opportunities for his players to step up and show their potential.

“I’m the first one to help players on their way. We’re in a situation where all my players are playing well and they’re looking forward to this opportunity,” he said.

“Knowing Ange will be in the audience will give them another lift.

“We’ve told the players that these sorts of opportunities don’t come along that often. Who knows what could happen?

“In the form our team is in I’ll be the first to push them forward. We wouldn’t want to lose them but we’re not going to stand in their way.”

A number of the Fire’s youth squad players will play.

The match starts at 6.30pm and entry is free.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/05/19/a-chance-to-impress/