MELBOURNE Heart officials have lavished praise on Border product Zac Walker, after the young striker scored two goals for the A-League club’s senior team.
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The former Twin City forward has stepped up his pursuit of a professional contract, scoring a second-half brace after coming on as a substitute in last week’s 8-0 hiding of State League 1 side Port Melbourne Sharks.
Heart plans to sign at least two more players before the season and the club’s general manager of football operations, John Didulica, said Walker’s performance hadn’t gone unnoticed.
“Both of Zac’s goals were really nicely taken and reinforced to us that Zac has natural ability as a goalscorer,” Didulica said yesterday.
“We think he still needs to develop his game in order to step up to a professional level, but we certainly see something in him and would like to continue working with him to ensure he can develop all areas of his game.”
Walker, a standout for the club’s youth team last season, has been training with the senior squad for about a month as the club tries to copy Dutch club AZ Alkmaar by having senior and youth players train together.
The 20-year-old, who has been playing in the Victorian Premier League with Oakleigh Cannons, will be hoping he can continue his fine form tonight in Heart’s friendly against Melbourne Knights.
Walker said he had been happy with his form and fitness, but knows he has plenty of work to do.
“It’s going really well,” he said.
“I’m just doing as much as I can.
“I am improving a lot and my fitness is really good, but there’s always room for improvement.
“My first half of the season was very poor.
“I started playing a lot more ... and I’m starting to score goals
“I’m hoping I get signed, it’s my dream to be a professional.
“I just need to keep the right attitude and hopefully good things will happen.”
Heart is leaving no stone unturned under new coach John Aloisi.
It recently signed highly rated former Australian Institute of Sport head coach Ron Smith as technical adviser and has former professionals Hayden Foxe and Joey Didulica, John’s brother, on its books.
The club opens its season on October 5 against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium.