Coach Tips Midfielder To Get Back On His Feet

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday April 16, 2008

Josh Leeson BACK OF THE NET

HAMILTON Olympic coach Bobby Naumov is confident injured midfielder Daniel Casciaroli has the right attitude to return next season a stronger and better player.

Casciaroli's 2008 season ended on Saturday night in Olympic's physical 6-3 win over Edgeworth at Darling St Oval.

He fractured his leg midway through the second half, was taken to John Hunter Hospital by ambulance and had a rod inserted in his leg on Sunday.

The 18-year-old was injured soon after coming off the bench and with Olympic 4-1 up in the Northern NSW State League season opener.

He attempted a tackle that involved a teammate and an Edgeworth player, and the impact of the collision sent him spiralling onto the turf.

He knew immediately he was in trouble.

"All three of us were going for the ball at the same time, and I just came off the worst," Casciaroli said.

"I looked at it and knew it was broken, so I didn't get up."

Casciaroli, an Adamstown junior who has played soccer since he was five, said this was his most serious injury.

"I'll be out for the season, but the doctor said it [the bone] will be stronger than before," he said.

Saturday night was Casciaroli's first match with Olympic after he left Rosebud at the end of last season.

He played half of 2007 with Broadmeadow but left to push his claims in first grade at Adamstown.

Friends, family and teammates have rallied behind the Newcastle representative junior, who is expected to leave hospital on Friday.

Naumov, who brought Casciaroli to Olympic, said the teenager had a fantastic attitude to soccer and predicted he would make a strong return.

"Technically, he's a very good player and has a super attitude as he lives for the game," Naumov said.

"I'm sure with his attitude he can work his way back from this."

He said coming back from the injury pyschologically would be the hardest part for Casciaroli.

Olympic's committee and players have vowed to keep up Casciaroli's spirits by involving him with the team for the rest of the season.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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