Paul Agostino ready to play against Roar
Adelaide United FC’s marquee signing Paul Agostino is fit and pushing for selection this Wednesday night against the Queensland Roar, in yet another crucial encounter, which will be The Reds’ fourth in 12 days.
Agostino, who is back to full fitness after a run of outs with injury, has played the last two games in United-s Youth Team and says he will be ready to go if Coach Aurelio Vidmar calls on him to play a part in the re-scheduled Round 16 match, that could see United go four points clear at the top of the Hyundai A-League table.
“I feel pretty good. I-ve had a couple of runs with the Youth Team and I-m available for selection,” Agostino said.
“Viddie said I-m in with a chance for the game on Wednesday night so we-ll see what happens. He has asked me to stay match fit and that-s why it-s great to have the youth setup, so I-ve been playing regularly because you never know.”
The 33 year old got through 90 minutes against Sydney FC Youth a fortnight ago, before playing an hour in the 5-0 rout of the Newcastle Jets Youth last Friday.
Despite making just five senior appearances so far this season due to persistent injuries, Agostino showed he has not lost any of the goal scoring instinct that has served him well for over 17 years, with a quality strike in the first half against Sydney FC-s Youth.
Incidentally, Agostino-s last appearance in the Hyundai A-League was against the Queensland Roar back in Round 8, and his availability for United coming into the business end of the season, would give Vidmar and The Reds a campaigner with invaluable experience in big games.
Agostino will retire from professional football at the end of this season, and the former Qantas Socceroo would like nothing more than to contribute to a championship winning squad.
“We-re in a great position to finish top, we don-t want to let that go and I-d like to finish on a good note,” Agostino said.
“We-ve got a chance here and we have to take it with both hands because we-ve worked really hard and it would be a shame to let it slip.”
Although he has not featured in the senior side since October last year, the magnitude of the result against Queensland has not been missed by Agostino, who is showing the hunger and eagerness of a youth player wanting to get back on the park and feature in the Hyundai A-League.
“It-s a huge game and Queensland have always been a tough team and a good match for us, so I probably can-t emphasise enough how vital this game is going to be,” Agostino said.
Kick-Off for Wednesday night-s crunch match is at 7.30pm (ACDT) with tickets available through Venue*Tix (call 8225 8888 or online at www.venuetix.com.au).