Luke Brattan’s return to the A-League has seen the midfielder rewarded for outstanding form, selected alongside Tim Cahill in Ange Postecoglou’s 30-man provisional squad to take on Thailand in November.
Brattan’s opening month in the league has seen him man of the match in three of the four A-League and FFA Cup matches so far this season and his performances have not only caught the eye of City fans but also the Socceroos Head Coach as well.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the midfielder’s return to the A-League has given him a new lease of life to his football, saying he’s just enjoys playing again after almost a year without regular game time.
“To be back here playing regularly in a good squad, it’s a great feeling,” Brattan said.
“Personally I think I’ve matured, living away from my family, doing it tough over there. It’s frustrating not playing but I’ve learned a lot about myself on and off the field.
“Being over there for 12 months, not playing at all was hard. I definitely learned a lot and the places where I went, I wouldn’t have seen that here. I’m grateful for that, I wouldn’t change that and now I’m just concentrating on football.”
Brattan’s time at City has seen him work hard over the pre-season in an ultra-competitive squad and the former Brisbane Roar Championship winner feels his selection will only push him further to perform better for his side this season.
“It’s good to be back in the mix but I still have to concentrate on week in, week out to do the job for the team,” he said.
“There was a stage where I wasn’t enjoying football and I’ve never had that where I’m not playing regularly so I’ve matured a lot, that’s shown in my game a little bit and I’m enjoying football with a smile on my face and loving every minute.
“I’m going to worry about the team performance and get the results. I’m here to win trophies and that’s what I’m here for so if I make the squad, it’s great. I can’t wait to get back into the (Socceroos) squad with such a great bunch of quality players but I think that the result on Friday (with City) is the main thing.”
Tim Cahill joins Brattan in the provisional side to take on Thailand on Tuesday 15 November at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
City take on Adelaide this Friday night at AAMI Park, kick-off 7.50pm. Click here to get your tickets for the match or sign up as a Melbourne City member today!
