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Roar teen ready to stop A-L star Diamanti

3 minute read

Brisbane Roar teenager Kai Trewin says facing established stars such as Western United's Alessandro Diamanti is an exciting part of breaking into the A-League.

ALESSANDRO DIAMANTI.
ALESSANDRO DIAMANTI. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Going toe-to-toe with Western United veterans Besart Berisha and Alessandro Diamanti is all part of the thrill of being an A-League player for Brisbane defender Kai Trewin.

The 19-year-old has appeared in 15 of the Roar's 17 matches this season, helping Warren Moon's team to concede a league-low 17 goals.

With influential captain Tom Aldred still sidelined by a hamstring injury, Trewin has ensured the Englishman's absence hasn't derailed the Roar's campaign.

Playing in central defence, the teenager was a key part in maintaining a clean sheet in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Wellington Phoenix at a waterlogged Moreton Daily Stadium.

Trewin will again be charged with keeping things intact at the back on Wednesday alongside experienced duo Macaulay Gillesphey and Scott Neville when Western travel to Redcliffe for a vital game in the race for the top six.

The Roar are eighth on the ladder and can move above sixth-placed Western with a win.

A key part to achieving that goal will be denying former Roar striker Berisha and Johnny Warren Medallist Diamanti.

"Diamanti's a really good player and it's exciting to play against players like that every week," Trewin said.

"(I'm) just really happy to get some games under my belt and get some more experience every week.

"We're on a bit of a high at the moment. Couple of games undefeated and it's really good."

Playing their third game in a week, Moon may make changes to his Roar line-up especially given the heavy pitch for last Saturday's draw with the Phoenix.

Midfielder Danny Kim and Jordan Courtney-Perkins have both been promoted into the Roar's matchday squad.

Western, who played out a VAR-marred 0-0 draw with Adelaide last Friday, are playing the second of four consecutive away matches.

Spaniard Victor Sanchez is suspended after being sent off against the Reds with Mark Rudan adding Luke Duzel, Sebastian Pasquali and Nicolas Milanovic to his squad for the trip to Queensland.

KEY MATCH STATS

* Western have won three of their past four matches against Brisbane, keeping a clean sheet in each of those victories

* Brisbane have drawn their past four matches at Moreton Daily Stadium, including two goalless draws

* Former Roar striker Besart Berisha has not managed a single shot on target against his old club in his past three matches against them.

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