Sydney FC youngster Chris Naumoff has made no secret of his desire to break into the first team, and a string of excellent performances in the Youth League is doing his chances little harm.
Sydney FC youngster Chris Naumoff has made no secret of his desire to break into the first team, and a string of excellent performances in the Youth League is doing his chances little harm.
The midfielder has been training regularly with the first team squad, and admits he took some time to adjust to the speed and quality of play.
“It was a lot quicker, the movement off and on the ball. I felt that it improved my game by quite an amount,” said Naumoff.
“It was obviously a good experience and nerve racking at times, but it was very good to get exposed and be alongside some of the first grade players.
“I’ve been working hard trying to get my chance and I’m really looking to break through so we’ll see what happens.”
The young Sky Blues host cellar dwellers AIS at Cromer Park on Sunday, the team they battered by eight goals last time out. Naumoff, who was on the scoresheet that day, insists the need for points will guarantee the game is no walk in the park.
“Our team still needs the points to climb up the table and the boys know that so the mentality going into the game will be the same as against any other team,” he said.
“We just need to keep our heads. I feel that this time round will be a much more difficult game.”
After a disappointing start to the season, results have turned around, culminating in a 3-0 win over the Wanderers in the inaugural Youth Derby at the weekend. Naumoff has praised the team’s resilience and mental toughness.
“It was definitely good to win away against the rivals but I think all the boys gave extra effort to win the match, which was even better.”
“Everyone’s mentality is to stick together. Definitely the team is very resilient.”
Sunday’s match at Cromer Park in Dee Why kicks off at 3pm.
Tickets for Saturday night’s epic derby clash with Western Sydney Wanderers are still available from Ticketek starting from only $25 for adults. Kick off is 7:45pm with the W-League top of the table clash between Sydney FC and Perth Glory starting at 5pm.
