Memo Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert: New signing Cameron Lindsay wants to play against Sydney FC.
The 18-year-old recruit from Blackburn Rovers was partly joking when making that comment as it would give him an opportunity to play against former club mate Brett Emerton, who is plying his trade in Sydney this A-League season.
But the North Shore born and raised Lindsay is deadly serious about making an impact at the Phoenix this season and sees the move back to New Zealand as a big step in his fledgling football career.
Lindsay has spent the past three years at the English Premier League club, mainly in its Academy teams, occasionally making the step up into the reserve squad.
“It was good and I loved being in the environment, but it got to the point where I wasn-t really going anywhere” Lindsay said.
“When my agent told me that the Phoenix was interested in signing me I was really pleased.
“I thought it would be a good move for me because the A-League is improving all the time.
“The highlights have been shown in the UK for a while now so I know a bit about it.”
Lindsay is confident the grounding he has had at Blackburn-s Academy over the last three years will stand him good stead at the Phoenix.
He is also looking forward to some good weather instead of spending another winter in the northern hemisphere.
“It gets really cold in the north of England so playing in the summer will be good but I must admit it is a little bit weird coming back.”
Lindsay spent a week under Herbert-s watchful eye earlier this year at an All Whites camp for the Australian-based players.
He obviously made an impression then and wants to continue in that vein when he starts training with the Phoenix on Tuesday.
Who knows? The midfielder/defender might just get the chance to play against Emerton.
