July 23, 2015 12:02:57 UK
Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Brattan is aiming to keep improving this season, with an eye on a Socceroos debut.
Brattan was singled out by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers for his performance in last week’s friendly between the two teams at Suncorp Stadium.
But both the player and his club coach John Aloisi feel there’s more to come from him.
Rodgers said of the 25-year-old: “[He] sat in and controlled the game and gave us a wee bit of a problem in the first half in terms of when to press them and when not.”
Brisbane are 8.00 to win the A-League Grand Final.
Brattan has won three championship medals with the Roar since making his debut in 2009, and Aloisi – who took over the top job from Frans Thijssen in the off-season – regards him as a “top player”.
The former Australia U-20 international had the highest number of completed passes per game in last season’s A-League, with 55.3, and won the Roar Members’ Player of the Year award.
Every player that plays in the A-League wants to play for the Socceroos.
Luke Brattan
Aloisi said: “Can he improve? Yes, I think he can still. He can control a football game; we’ve seen it in the past and this season he’ll be another important player for us.”
Brattan said he still had plenty to work on with his game, and is prioritising his fitness and defensive work.
He came close to a first selection for the Socceroos late last year when he was named in coach Ange Postecoglou’s preliminary squad for the Asian Cup.
Brattan missed the final cut, but said: “Every player that plays in the A-League wants to play for the Socceroos. Hopefully I can play for them one day.”
Brisbane Roar are 2.75 to win their first match of the A-League season against Western Sydney Wanderers, who are 2.37 with the draw 3.25.
Don’t forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved bet365 On The Move. T & Cs apply.
View all Soccer betting
