EXCLUSIVE: Mile Jedinak believes Queensland Roar will struggle to shake the curse of Suncorp Stadium because visiting teams simply love playing in Brisbane.
Roar’s 1-1 draw with Adelaide United last week saw the pundits dust off the line about the club’s inability to make their own ground a fortress.
Jedinak is hoping to help Central Coast Mariners extend the curse this weekend when the Gosford side visit Brisbane on Sunday.
The midfielder has yet to kick a ball in anger this season due to a painful injury sustained during the pre-season program.
He has been struggling with osteitis pubis, a condition caused by strain on the pubic bone, but is now over the worst.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “It’s been very, very frustrating. It came on after we’d played the New Zealand Under 23 side and it’s been a question of just taking things day by day.
“Hopefully, I’ll be in a position to pull the boots on this weekend as I’m dying to get going.”
Jedinak admits his spirits were kept high during his rehab program because he was aware the Socceroos medical staff were making regular inquiries and asking for reports on his progress.
He said: “Having been part of things in Super June, it was good to know that you’re not forgotten.”
While Jedinak is hoping there will be further international opportunities for him, his immediate focus is performing consistently for his club.
He said: “We haven’t managed a win in our first two games and hopefully I can get back in and help the boys to three points.
“You want to build up some momentum and hopefully we can start with a good result in Queensland.
“We went there early last season and although they put us under a lot of pressure, we managed to beat them 1-0.
“I’m not sure about a curse but there’s no doubt that you do go to their ground and enjoy what a great facility it is.
“Obviously they have the fans on their side but as a visiting team I think it just makes you really determined to do well.”
Curse or no curse Jedinak knows winning the midfield battle will be key on Sunday. He said: “I’ve played with Matt McKay and Massimo Murdocca for the Under 20s and they’re such busy players.
“We have to keep a lid on them and try and stamp our authority on the game.”
Jedinak is hoping to help Central Coast Mariners extend the curse this weekend when the Gosford side visit Brisbane on Sunday.
The midfielder has yet to kick a ball in anger this season due to a painful injury sustained during the pre-season program.
He has been struggling with osteitis pubis, a condition caused by strain on the pubic bone, but is now over the worst.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “It’s been very, very frustrating. It came on after we’d played the New Zealand Under 23 side and it’s been a question of just taking things day by day.
“Hopefully, I’ll be in a position to pull the boots on this weekend as I’m dying to get going.”
Jedinak admits his spirits were kept high during his rehab program because he was aware the Socceroos medical staff were making regular inquiries and asking for reports on his progress.
He said: “Having been part of things in Super June, it was good to know that you’re not forgotten.”
While Jedinak is hoping there will be further international opportunities for him, his immediate focus is performing consistently for his club.
He said: “We haven’t managed a win in our first two games and hopefully I can get back in and help the boys to three points.
“You want to build up some momentum and hopefully we can start with a good result in Queensland.
“We went there early last season and although they put us under a lot of pressure, we managed to beat them 1-0.
“I’m not sure about a curse but there’s no doubt that you do go to their ground and enjoy what a great facility it is.
“Obviously they have the fans on their side but as a visiting team I think it just makes you really determined to do well.”
Curse or no curse Jedinak knows winning the midfield battle will be key on Sunday. He said: “I’ve played with Matt McKay and Massimo Murdocca for the Under 20s and they’re such busy players.
“We have to keep a lid on them and try and stamp our authority on the game.”
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