Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has challenged teen sensation Christian Theoharous to put pressure on starting side with performances off the bench.
Camera IconMelbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has challenged teen sensation Christian Theoharous to put pressure on starting side with performances off the bench. Credit: News Corp Australia

Victory teen Christian Theoharous to play key role in absence of Kosta Barbarouses and Mitch Austin

DAVID DAVUTOVICHerald Sun

TEEN winger Christian Theoharous will play a key role for Melbourne Victory’s western mission in search of a maiden A-League win of the season.

The physically and emotionally-battered Barbarouses stayed in Melbourne, after New Zealand’s 2018 World Cup qualifying hopes were dashed by Peru on Thursday, with the Victory winger playing 90 minutes.

Kevin Muscat has challenged Theoharous to put pressure on Victory’s starting side.
Camera IconKevin Muscat has challenged Theoharous to put pressure on Victory’s starting side. Credit: Getty Images

Theoharous’ stunning impact role last week won’t be enough to break into the first XI, but he looms as Kevin Muscat’s first attacking option from the bench with Barbarouses and Austin absent.

Austin, 26, requires a knee reconstruction after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament at training on Friday at Gosch’s Paddock when he collided with Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas.

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Victory medical staff initially thought Austin had bone bruising after a heavy but seemingly innocuous clash. Scans later revealed a season-ending diagnosis.

The speedy Austin was due to return from suspension for the trip to Perth Glory, after his Melbourne Cup eve sending off in the Western Sydney draw.

The return of Mark Milligan from international duty is a timely boost for Victory.
Camera IconThe return of Mark Milligan from international duty is a timely boost for Victory. Credit: AFP
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“It’s devastating news for Mitch. Pretty deflating for everyone,’’ Muscat said.

“We’ll provide him with all the best possible rehab and support we can.

“It was at the end of training in a bit of a game. It was innocuous.

“We’ve just got to be really positive. I’ve spoken to Mitch about that too.”

Muscat said Theoharous and returning Socceroos Mark Milligan and James Troisi will provide Victory a shot in the arm.

“We’ve got a great team here. But if you look at the Theoharous’, we want those players to come in and apply pressure on the players in front of them,’’ he said.

“He definitely did well when he came on and there’s a number of things you’ve got to take into consideration. But he certainly did enough, which is what you want for him to start applying pressure.

“You put people on the bench and ask them to come on and have an impact and influence on the game and I don’t think he could’ve done much more. It’s a shot in the arm for him and it’s very good for the team also.

“Millsy and James arrived a couple of days ago so they’re in a very good head space and we welcome them to the squad.”