Young Sydney FC centre half Aaron Gurd is looking forward to the challenge of coming up against Central Coast Mariner’s Socceroos firepower.
Gurd has been a regular in the Sky Blues line-ups this season and came on at half time in Saturday’s clash with league leaders Melbourne City.
He looked comfortable against the likes of Socceroos Jamie Maclaren, Matthew Leckie and Marco Tilio, as the Sky Blues ran out 2-1 winners.
This weekend Gurd faces more World Cup stars as Steve Corica’s side travels to Gosford to take on the Central Coast Mariners.
But he insists it’s no different to any other usual game.
“I watched all the Socceroos games and I saw some of the A-League players in action,” he said.
“They did very well but I can’t think about that when I’m out there and I just have to treat it like any other game.”
A lot has changed for the defender since signing an A-League contract at the start of this season, but he’s taken the challenge in his stride.
The 21-year old says playing in the best league in Australia is his favourite part of stepping up and that the new challenges every week are what motivates him.
“Over the World Cup break all of the boys got together and in training we all worked on defence.
It’s being able to do those little one percenters that help you win the game and that’s what we worked on.
Aaron Gurd
Manager Steve Corica was quick to praise the young centre back after his recent performances
“He’s come a long way, every game he’s got better and better and he looks very comfortable at the moment.
“It’s nice that he’s doing a great job.”
As Sydney FC look to win their second game in a row on Saturday evening, Gurd is excited for what’s ahead.
“The more games I play, the more confident I’m going to get, and the better I’m going to adapt to the league,” he concluded.
Gurd is set to feature again from the start with a Jack Rodwell suffering a grade one groin strain last weekend.
