Sydney FC youngster Harry Van der Saag said he feels like he truly belongs now after making his first Hyundai A-League start on Saturday against Adelaide United.
The 20-year-old completed 75 minutes in the 2-1 win, following a whirlwind rise after his debut against PSG in pre-season, with the right back relishing his time on the pitch in Sky Blue.
“I was very happy to make my first Hyundai A-League start,” he said.
“It was a real great experience playing with all the boys. I’ve been training with them for a while so it was pretty rewarding to get out there.
“I feel more a part of it now more so than before, it was really good to be out there.
“It’s hard to compare PSG with Adelaide but there was some similarities with the speed of the game and it wasn’t too different,” he continued.
“I felt good out there, I felt confident especially when the first goal went in.
“I was a bit nervous in the first couple of minutes, but I was fine when the goal went in and I got a bit of a grove, the boys helped me out too.
“When the goal went in it was amazing to be a part of the group, to be a part of that goal and the second goal with some really good build up was a good feeling.”
Poised to continue at right back on Friday night away against the Newcastle Jets, Van der Saag has his sights set on accruing as many minutes of possible while taking in his rapid rise from the Sydney FC Academy to the first team.
“The Jets should be a good game on Friday night. We’re looking for another win and to increase our lead at the top of the table,” he said.
“I’ve done a few away trips this year with Wellington and Adelaide but didn’t get on, so hopefully I get on on Friday and can play my part in the game.
“I just want to keep playing as many games as possible and get as many minutes as I can to help the team.
“I’ve been fortunate to be involved, and I’m just trying to take it all in.”
Sydney FC take on the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday 10th January (kick off 7:30pm AEDT). Catch the live on Fox Sports 505, stream on the ‘My Football Live’ app or follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for live updates.
