Adelaide United midfielder, Jordan O’Doherty, says he “had to bide his time” after receiving his first Hyundai A-League start of the season against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 20-year-old has struggled for game time this season, featuring in three matches before Wednesday night’s clash, but began proceedings from the outset in the 1-1 draw.
He subsequently impressed and provided great energy in the centre of the field.
O’Doherty said it was pleasing to get some minutes under his belt, after waiting patiently on the sidelines.
“It’s good on a personal level to get out there and get eighty minutes or so,” he told Fox Sports after the match.
“I’ve had to be patient this season obviously we have had a few good foreigners that have come in this year and they’re playing in my position in midfield.
“So I’ve had to bide my time, but I’m glad I could get in there now and put in a decent shift.”
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O’Doherty admitted it had been a bit frustrating not being able to play regularly, but stressed patience was key and the team always takes precedence.
“Every footballer wants to play minutes, but like I said I’m here for the team and everyone has to be patient,” he said.
“I’m still a young player so hopefully I’ve got plenty of time on my hands, but like you said it was just good to get eighty minutes and do well.”
O’Doherty also played over a half of football against Perth Glory last Friday, having replaced an injured Daniel Adlung before the break.
Jack Clisby put the Wanderers ahead after half-time with a simple finish before 18-year-old Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, in just his fourth substitute appearance, rifled home a first league goal.
Upon reflection, O’Doherty felt a draw was a fair outcome.
“I think it was pretty even throughout the whole game,” he said.
“And to be fair in the first-half we had a couple of chances that we should’ve put away and so did they.
“But in the end it just came down to falling into AP’s (Stamatelopoulos’) feet and he put it in the net.
“So it’s good to get a point away from home and we’ll be happy to be taking it back to Adelaide.”
Adelaide United host Sydney FC in Round 16 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 14 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT.
