Milestone catches United midfielder by surprise

Angus Thurgate’s shock that he will make his 150th A-League appearance on Saturday night is hardly a surprise considering he’s still only 24.

The Western United midfielder admitted he was taken aback when told just a few days about his impending milestone at Ironbark Fields, where his team will host Macarthur FC.

“I was unaware of it until I went up to the (club’s) office the other day to sort something out, and someone mentioned it to me,” Thurgate said.

“It’s crept up on me pretty quickly, and it’s something to be proud of.

“I feel I’ve come a long way in developing as a player, especially in the past couple of seasons … but I’m still learning every day.”

Thurgate joined United in May last year after a six-season stint with the Newcastle Jets, where he made his A-League debut in January 2018 – a few weeks shy of his 18th birthday – as a late substitute in a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium.

“I made my debut as a striker. In my first few season I played up front, so I’m slowly moving back – hopefully I don’t end up at centre-back,” he said.

Thurgate won’t have to worry about that, with Western United coach John Aloisi knowing how valuable he is in the holding midfield role.

“Towards the back end of (last) season he was outstanding, and at the start of this season, he’s grown even more,” Aloisi said of Thurgate.

“He’s one that leads by example, his understanding of the game gets better and better … he’s improving all the time.

“People forget that he’s only 24 still. He’s been our best player this season and I’m sure it will continue that he’s going to perform.”

And while Thurgate appreciates such high praise, he doesn’t play football for individual acclaim, with his focus instead on helping United – who have won just one of their six matches this season – move up the A-League ladder.

“It’s still early on in the season, and if you win a couple of games on the trot you can move up into the top half of the table,” he said.

“We’re just focusing on each game, and going out there with a plan to get three points, and that’s our main priority

“We have the capabilities of getting up there and competing with everyone … so for me, as one of the senior players, it’s about making sure that the boys are always working, and improving every day.”