Central Coast Mariners’ 21-year-old defender, Hayden Morton is primed for what could be his third consecutive starting berth for the yellow and navy in tomorrow evening’s round 24 clash against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
Morton, who has represented Australia at the U17s and U20s level, has experienced two 90-minute stints in the Hyundai A-League during the last two matches against Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.
The former Sutherland Sharks man has found himself in the first 11 after strong performances on the training track, which has been aided by the unavailability of Storm Roux who is on international duty and Jacob Poscoliero who is out with a minor hamstring injury,
Although, a determined Morton is not taking his starting status for granted and is intent on keeping his fellow yellow and navy comrades out of starting selection when they become available next week.
“My main goal is: when Jacob and Storm are back I want to keep them out of the team, we’ve got four games to go so I want to keep doing what I’m doing.
“I’m really enjoying the game time so far, since Tony has come in he has shown a lot of faith in me and I’m just hoping to repay the faith.
“He’s given me a free role and told me to express myself and play a free game, Morton said.
The last two matches against Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory respectively were Morton’s first contributions this season and interim Head Coach Tony Walmlsey has been impressed by his form.
“He did a really good job as a right back defensively, of course if he can add to that with his quality going forward and to support the attack as Josh Rose has done for a number for years – that’s the type of football we want to be playing, Walmsley said.
Morton joined the Central Coast Mariners Foxtel National Youth League set up in 2011 and featured twice in the club’s 2012/13 Hyundai A-League Championship winning season.
Thursday 2 April 2015
Match: Brisbane Roar vs. Central Coast Mariners – Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Round 24
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 8:00pm (AEDT)
Television: Live on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio: Live on 96.3 Coast FM & ABC Grandstand
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #BRIvCCM #CCMFC
