Lachlan Brook believes he is nearing a return to full fitness after spending the last few months on the sidelines ahead of Adelaide United Youth’s meeting with Adelaide Comets.
Brook suffered a knee injury playing with the Young Reds against Perth Glory Youth during the Foxtel Y-League 2018/19 season in December.
The 18-year-old returned to action for the first time almost three weeks ago in a cameo for United’s Youth Reserves – scoring a free-kick with his first touch against Croydon.
A substitute appearance for Paul Pezos’ side followed a week later against MetroStars, while continuing to train with the senior side as he built up fitness.
Brook said he was on the verge to being 100% fit, but admitted that will come with more game time.
“I’m feeling good and I feel like I’m almost back, I’m getting my touch back I feel like that’s all normal,” he revealed.
“I guess it’s just fitness now and game time. I had an internal game last week and played about 65 minutes which was really good.
“So I’m feeling fitter but just not one hundred per cent yet.”
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The Young Reds are unbeaten in their past four matches, triumphant in three of those contests – which included that impressive 3-2 win over Metro.
Meanwhile, Comets are on a three-match winning streak in the league and four including their FFA Cup SA victory against Pontian Eagles.
Brook said the team is quietly confident they can secure the three points and prolong their strong form.
“Obviously I haven’t been involved in any NPL games other than last week (against MetroStars),” he said.
“But from what I’ve seen and obviously I’m still involved in the change rooms, the boys are confident at the moment – especially after last week and a pretty dominant performance.
“So we’re definitely confident just as much as they are, and I feel like Comets and Metro sort of play the same game and I think we had Metro almost down packed.”
It has been United Youth’s best ever start to a season since their promotion to the top-flight in 2016.
Adelaide currently occupy second spot on the ladder, level on points (13) with Raiders and indeed Comets.
Brook attributed the reason behind the team’s success to having a better understanding of their coach’s tactics and the fact the majority of the squad has remained the same.
“I think compared to last year there’s only been a couple of changes in terms of the team,” he said.
“I think we’re just adapting more to the way Paul Pezos wants us to play and understanding more formations.
“So if we need to change a formation we’re all on the same page and I think that’s really important in a match of football.”
Adelaide United Youth host Adelaide Comets in Round 8 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 27 April at VALO Football Centre – The Parks. Kick-off is at 3.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 12.45pm.
