The meteoric rise of New Zealand soccer wunderkind Milly Clegg has her coach urging endurance.
Clegg scored her first A-League objective as Wellington Phoenix posted their first win of the season with a shock 5-Zero hammering of Canberra United.
She starred regardless of taking part in out of place as a winger and looms as a headache for the Brisbane Roar on Saturday afternoon after they host the Phoenix.
Clegg solely turned 17 on November 1 and starred for New Zealand on the under-17 and under-20 World Cups.
She comes from a household of sporting excessive achievers, together with her mom Kylie (nee Foy) twice taking part in hockey for New Zealand on the Olympics.
Phoenix coach Natalie Lawrence expects it’s only a matter of time earlier than Clegg is promoted to the Ferns senior nationwide workforce, however is cautious about speeding her improvement.
“It is nonetheless vital that we’re actually cautious, she’s solely simply turned 17,” Lawrence advised reporters on Friday.
“She’s so well-grounded, her dad and mom have been in excessive efficiency, so she does not get forward of herself.
“It is vital for us that we’re additionally actually affected person together with her…she’s tremendous, super-young.”
However Lawrence additionally appreciates the joy constructing round Clegg.
“She has one thing particular. She has one thing that most likely not many gamers do have, that eye for objective,” Lawrence stated.
“The arrogance she gained from that efficiency, you need to see her in coaching this week – she simply hasn’t put a foot mistaken.”
This looms as a hazard recreation for Brisbane, who’re coming off a loss to Western United.
They’re seventh on 11 factors, eight behind fourth-placed Melbourne Victory, however have two video games in hand.
Lawrence stated confidence was constructing in her squad earlier than the large win over Canberra they usually now should construct on that drought-breaking efficiency.
“We all know we have not essentially traveled amazingly, in order that’s the subsequent objective as we proceed to construct by means of the season,” she stated.
“I have been saying the entire season I felt this end result was coming and we had been constructing and we had been progressing, whereas the outcomes weren’t exhibiting that.
“Having a giant win like that offers you that confidence, offers the gamers the idea that what we’re making an attempt to do goes to work.
“Now, if we are able to again that up and finish the season actually sturdy, all of it turns into price it.”
