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Brown’s return a boost for Gold Coast

Named as the NAB Young Player of the Month for October before he took off on international duty, Brown has been United’s most lethal marksman this term, registering an impressive four goals in just six appearances.

Spectacular strikes against Wellington and Central Coast Mariners, along with a slide-rule finish in the 3-1 win over Newcastle, shot the local youngster to prominence early in the 2011/12 campaign. A favourite with team-mates, fans and pundits alike, Brown’s return to club action could not have come at a better time for United as they aim to take their frustrations out on Ian Ferguson’s Perth side.

His ability to unlock defences and sneak unnoticed into goalscoring positions will be valuable tools in United’s quest for the points against a side who head into the match with their own form troubles. Perth have lost four of their previous five outings and the last player they will want to face is a rampant James Brown.

Although naturally enjoying his time with the Olyroos, Brown admitted today that he was desperate to get back into the Gold Coast side and pick up where he left off before he departed to wear the green and gold for Australia.

“It’s been really good to be away with the Olyroos because it’s always an honour to represent your country, but at the same time a little frustrating for me that I haven’t been here to help the team out,” Brown said.

“But if I’m selected to play this Saturday against Perth then just like the rest of the side I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got to get us back to winning ways. We need the points and we all believe we can go over there and get them.

“I’m really glad to be back and we’re all determined to prove that we’re a good team. There’s plenty of depth here and plenty of competition for places, so nobody is taking their spot in the team for granted.

“We’ve worked really hard at training this morning and will be doing the same this afternoon; just as we will every day before the match. We’re fired up for the game and we know a win will change everything for us and start the ball rolling.

“It’s not as if we haven’t been playing well enough to win matches – we have, but a few things haven’t gone our way to say the least. It’s still early in the season though and the mood is very positive in the camp because we know that we can go over to Perth and get the result we need,” he declared.