Clut pushes case for more Roar time
Devante Clut hopes his stunning two-goal performance for Brisbane Roar on Wednesday night has proved to coach Frans Thijssen that he belongs in the first team.
Clut, 19, earned man-of-the-match honours after scoring a brilliant brace as the Roar fought out a thrilling 3-3 AFC Champions League draw with Suwon Bluewings on the Gold Coast - just his third appearance at senior level.
Deputising in the playmaker role for injured midfielder Thomas Broich, Clut's second goal was a long-distance equaliser with just 10 minutes remaining that rescued an important point and improved Brisbane's hopes of qualifying for the round of 16.
Clut even won a new admirer in the form of Suwon coach Seo Jung-won, who said he was "very impressed" to see such a young player dominate in Asia.
The western Sydney product burst out of obscurity and onto the A-League scene last year, scoring another cracking goal on his debut - only to puzzlingly fall off the senior radar for almost an entire season.
Clut admits it has been frustrating waiting for his chance, but with Broich still struggling with an ankle complaint, he may only have to wait for Sunday's clash with the Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium for his next one.
"It's frustrating, but not so much where I'm angry or upset or anything," said Clut, whose A-League contract expires at the end of next season.
"But the thing is when you've got players that are experienced and we need three points, any coach will put their experienced players in.
"Frans has been helping me but it's been hard, he's been insistent on me being patient.
"It's a big ask for Frans to put me in but I feel he should be more comfortable with me in there now."
If Thijssen's reaction on Wednesday night when asked why a young player of Clut's calibre hasn't seen more senior action is any indication, the teenager can rest easy.
"Don't ask me, I'm here not so long," Thijssen said.
"He's a player who always sees the goal, goes past people and looks for shots. That's important in that position."
Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young has also given the fringe Young Socceroos midfielder a huge vote of confidence.
"He looked like a threat the whole time," Young said.
"When you see players like that get an opportunity and go take it, I couldn't be happier for them."
