Post by QPR Report on Aug 15, 2009 9:48:30 GMT
Herald Sun
Nick Ward is ready to Roar in a different position
Grantley Bernard August 15, 2009
PLAYING at right back won't be totally foreign to Nick Ward. It's just that the Melbourne Victory midfielder hasn't played the position for a while.
Set to fill the full back role in a defensive reshuffle to cover for the injured Kevin Muscat, Ward last played in defence for Queen's Park Rangers before coming to Melbourne 18 months ago.
Even then he only had a few games for QPR in that position, having learned to play it in juniors and during his early days with Perth Glory. He looks likely to reprise the role against Brisbane Roar at Etihad Stadium tonight.
On the bench for last week's 2-0 home loss to Central Coast Mariners, the chance to play at full back means a spot in the starting line-up for Ward, who was used extensively in that position at training this week.
"He (coach Ernie Merrick) hasn't said anything, but if it comes up I'm ready to go," Ward said.
"I've played right back and wing back and I'm pretty comfortable. I'm more attacking, but if that's where I'm playing on the weekend I'll definitely be getting forward."
Not starting last week was a disappointment for Ward, who admitted to losing his way during the 3-0 friendly loss to Fulham at Etihad Stadium last month. "It's disappointing any time (to be on the bench)," he said.
"I thought I'd been playing quite well and probably didn't have the best game against Fulham."
Brisbane, which lost 3-1 at home to Gold Coast United last weekend, is known for its counter-attacking game and will try to get down the flanks against Victory.
Roar has included winger Michael Zullo in the squad despite concerns over an ankle injury.
And youth team goalkeeper Matt Acton has been drafted on to the bench to replace back-up keeper Griffin McMaster (illness).
"We'll take 16 down with us," Roar coach Frank Farina said yesterday.
"Michael looks OK and he's fit to travel. We expect he'll be fine."
Farina said he expects Victory to be fired-up after its Round 1 loss.
"I was a little surprised by the result last weekend but Central Coast deserved it. They played very well," Farina said.
"(They) sat back, caught them on the counter-attack.
"They'll (Victory) be pretty wound up to try and turn that around. They're going to desperately want points."
www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25931058-11088,00.html?from=public_rss
Nick Ward is ready to Roar in a different position
Grantley Bernard August 15, 2009
PLAYING at right back won't be totally foreign to Nick Ward. It's just that the Melbourne Victory midfielder hasn't played the position for a while.
Set to fill the full back role in a defensive reshuffle to cover for the injured Kevin Muscat, Ward last played in defence for Queen's Park Rangers before coming to Melbourne 18 months ago.
Even then he only had a few games for QPR in that position, having learned to play it in juniors and during his early days with Perth Glory. He looks likely to reprise the role against Brisbane Roar at Etihad Stadium tonight.
On the bench for last week's 2-0 home loss to Central Coast Mariners, the chance to play at full back means a spot in the starting line-up for Ward, who was used extensively in that position at training this week.
"He (coach Ernie Merrick) hasn't said anything, but if it comes up I'm ready to go," Ward said.
"I've played right back and wing back and I'm pretty comfortable. I'm more attacking, but if that's where I'm playing on the weekend I'll definitely be getting forward."
Not starting last week was a disappointment for Ward, who admitted to losing his way during the 3-0 friendly loss to Fulham at Etihad Stadium last month. "It's disappointing any time (to be on the bench)," he said.
"I thought I'd been playing quite well and probably didn't have the best game against Fulham."
Brisbane, which lost 3-1 at home to Gold Coast United last weekend, is known for its counter-attacking game and will try to get down the flanks against Victory.
Roar has included winger Michael Zullo in the squad despite concerns over an ankle injury.
And youth team goalkeeper Matt Acton has been drafted on to the bench to replace back-up keeper Griffin McMaster (illness).
"We'll take 16 down with us," Roar coach Frank Farina said yesterday.
"Michael looks OK and he's fit to travel. We expect he'll be fine."
Farina said he expects Victory to be fired-up after its Round 1 loss.
"I was a little surprised by the result last weekend but Central Coast deserved it. They played very well," Farina said.
"(They) sat back, caught them on the counter-attack.
"They'll (Victory) be pretty wound up to try and turn that around. They're going to desperately want points."
www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25931058-11088,00.html?from=public_rss