Adelaide United defender, Taylor Regan, has revealed he is hoping to cement a starting berth in the Reds’ line-up, ahead of the Club’s intriguing Round 14 clash with fierce rivals Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was included in the Hyundai A-League Team of the Week for Round 13 against Wellington Phoenix, following a resolute performance in his starting Reds debut.
Regan, who joined United as an injury replacement at the beginning of the season, conceded he just had to remain patient on the bench and take his chance when the opportunity arose.
“I sort of said from day one of arriving that I wasn’t here to just make up the numbers,” Regan said. “I am here, I want to play football, and I want to do my best for the team.
“I had Iacopo La Rocca and Dylan McGowan ahead of me, so you have to be patient.
“They won the title last year, and are experienced and very good players.
“So I had to wait for an injury, a suspension, or a drop in form and for whatever reason I got my chance, and hopefully I’ve done enough to keep it.”
After a resilient defensive display in that goalless draw against the Phoenix, the centre-back believes building momentum is now crucial to commence the New Year.
“Hopefully now we can turn our season around, new year, fresh start, undefeated in 2017 so we’re looking forward to the Victory game this weekend,” he continued.
“The beauty of sport is that you have a one week turn around and you go again.
“We defended well in Wellington, we didn’t play the best football, but we have things to work on and we look forward to a big game in front of our loyal supporters.”
Regan declared the feeling within the dressing room remains upbeat and praised the Club for helping him settle into a new city.
“They’re a good bunch of guys and obviously the success of last year people want to replicate it,” Regan said.
“The attitude of the group is amazing, we have good leaders, good young boys, and the coaching staff have been really good.
“This (moving to Adelaide) was a fresh start and the Club has been brilliant to me.”
Regan also admitted he is embracing the challenge of trying to thwart a rampant Victory outfit and in the process deliver elation to Reds supporters.
“Adelaide and Melbourne Victory have always had that rivalry,” Regan continued. “They’re flying at the moment, they’re confident.
“Our mission is to stop that here in front of our fans, who deserve to cheer.
“They’ve had a few weeks of not getting the result and it’s time to turn that around.
“So we have everything to play for and we have nothing really to lose.
“We can only go up and we need to start winning if we’re going to do that.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 14 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season on Saturday, 7 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
