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AAP
AAP
Joel Gould

Roar unleash teenager Thomas Waddingham for ALM debut

Brisbane's 18-year-old striker Thomas Waddingham (c) will make his A-League debut against Sydney. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Brisbane Roar coach Ross Aloisi will unleash teenager Thomas Waddingham on Sydney FC for his A-League debut at Suncorp Stadium.

Aloisi said it was simply "the best" to be back at the blue-chip stadium venue on Friday night and full-time for this entire season.

He was also enthusiastic about the potential of 18-year-old striker Waddingham who was so impressive in the Roar's Australia Cup campaign.

The teenager scored four goals in the tournament, including the opener in the 3-1 Cup-final loss to Sydney FC.

He missed last week's 1-1 draw with Macarthur as he was on Young Socceroos duty in Spain for the Marbella Week of Football and arrived back in Australia on match eve.

Aloisi said Waddingham would "absolutely" be playing against the Sky Blues.

"We didn't risk him last week and decided to have him right for this game," Aloisi said.

"Thomas can be whatever he wants to be. He's that good. He can be a Socceroo in years to come.

"He is physically strong. He understand the game. His pressing is exceptional and his scoring ability is exceptional, so he has got everything to become a top player but at this moment in time he has got a lot to learn still.

"Thomas needs to keep on improving in our game style. We are not relying on the one player. We rely on the football that we play and the team effort."

Last year the Roar started and finished the season at Suncorp Stadium but played most of their home games in Redcliffe.

Now they are back at their spiritual home much to Aloisi's delight.

"The success the Brisbane Roar have had in the past has all been at Suncorp Stadium," he said.

"Brisbane Roar belong at Suncorp Stadium. Our supporters love it there and when you have got a big crowd of Brisbane Roar supporters it makes a big noise and brings the players to another level.

"They help us get the job done." 

The Roar were gallant in their Australia Cup-final loss to Sydney FC where Aloisi was delighted with the opening 55 minutes.

He said if the side had taken more of the chances they created the result "might have been a different story".

"We have a lot of improvement in us but it is really pleasing to see where we are at," he said.

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