Smits, 21, who for years has been regarded as one of the best young strikers in the Brisbane Premier League by local pundits, and Dodd, 23, a midfielder and younger brother of Karl who served the Roar in their inaugural season, have signed their first professional two-year contracts with the club.

It’s been an uphill struggle for Smits, who in July 2006 was selected by then-Roar coach Miron Bleiberg to play in the club’s opening Pre-Season Cup game against Sydney FC on the Gold Coast.

Delivering the goods off the bat with a cracking goal on debut in the 2-1 loss, many were surprised when Smits was not offered a spot in Bleiberg’s squad. However in 2008 Frank Farina has revived the youngster’s hopes.

The quietly spoken Pine Rivers product thought his chance to shine in the A-League had passed him by after being overlooked in season two.

“I was definitely not expecting an offer; I thought my chance had gone by when all that happened in 2006, but now I’ve got one and I’m really excited,” said Smits.

“It’s a good opportunity to finally show what I can do in the Hyundai A-League and I just want to try and play as many games as I can. Maybe score a few goals as well – five at least would be great.”

He added: “I’ve never trained under Frank, but he’s obviously a good coach; he was Australian National Team coach for six years and got the Roar into the finals this season.

"He was an accomplished striker himself so I think I can learn a lot from him. I’m really looking forward to playing and training with Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto as well.”

While Smits can now dare to dream of what his future may hold, fellow Roar debutant David Dodd has decided on his ambitions for the 2008/09 season.

“I’m really happy and after training with the squad for quite a while, I’m glad I got offered a contract,” said Dodd.

“I’m looking forward to getting an opportunity and if it comes along, making the most of it. Hopefully I can break into the team next season and show people what I can do.

"I just want to get as many games as possible and bond well with the team.”

Dodd, whose older brother is now with Wellington Phoenix, said playing against his sibling would be something he’d relish.

He added: “It’ll be good to play against my brother if I get the chance; he was at the Roar in the first season and now I’ve got my chance – it would be an interesting competition that’s for sure.”

Coach Frank Farina said he was pleased to add more youthful Queenslanders to the squad, especially in light of the impact made by his other young charges this term.

“Both Tim and David are desperate to do well," said Farina. "They’ve both been patient and waited for their chance.

"I believe they will flourish in a professional environment and benefit from the experienced players around them.

"If they can achieve what the other youngsters achieved this season then I’ll be very happy.”

……………………………………………………………………………………

Name: David Dodd
DOB: 1/2/85.
Height: 185cm.
Weight: 85kg.
Born: Southport, Queensland.
Nationality: Australian.
Previous Clubs: 2003-2007 Palm Beach, 2005 Lancaster City (UK), 2002 Rochedale Rovers, 2000 QAS.

Name: Tim Smits
DOB: 11/04/86.
Height: 180cm.
Weight: 77kg.
Born: Brisbane, Queensland.
Nationality: Australian.
Previous Clubs: 2000-03 QAS, 2003-05 Pine Rivers, 2005-08 Rochedale Rovers.