Mariners coach slams ‘crazy’ youth call-up

Central Coast manager Nick Montgomery says it is “crazy” that Nectarios Triantis will be forced to play in an upcoming youth tournament as he believes it will be detrimental to his development compared to remaining in the A-League.

Triantis has become a key wheel at the Mariners this season but the 19-year-old will miss the next four games to allow him to take part in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup, which takes place in Uzbekistan from March 1-18.

“I think it’s crazy. I spoke to (Young Socceroos coach) Trevor Morgan and the FFA and we asked that Nectar not go,” Montgomery said.

“We have nine games left (before the finals), he plays men’s football, he’s a huge prospect for the future.

“I think Australia is the only country in the world where you take players who start out in first-team football (and order them to play youth football.

“I don’t agree with that at all.

“I agree with the players who play for the national team. But whatever player has been hit to leave mid-season, I can’t take it.”

Montgomery was even more stunned when his request to keep Triantis for another Mariners game before the youth tournament was turned down.

“We asked if he could stay and play next week (February 24 vs Wellington) and have five days before their first game (of the tournament) and that too was rebuffed,” he said.

“Really disappointed about that. I think it’s crazy and I think it’s harmful to Nectar.

“The only way to develop them and play at the highest level is to play football in the first team.

“At the Mariners we play against young players. I take risks to play against them. We already lost him for two games at the beginning of the season, he came out of form and he’s leaving now.”

“I think when that rule was agreed, I thought common sense would come into play if players starting in the A-League were to leave them there because it’s better for their development.”

Although embittered by the situation, Montgomery left with a big grin after watching Brazil’s Moresche make a successful return from a cruciate ligament injury in Saturday night’s 2-2 draw with Perth Glory.

Moresche came on as a 68th-minute substitute in his first game since the end of last season and was lively as the Mariners scored two late goals to snatch some of the spoils.

“I’m just super happy for him,” said Montgomery.

“I thought he was outstanding when he came on. He didn’t have much football but he gave us good energy.

“Last year before he got injured he was unplayable and now you can see what he’s done.”