It was another eventful weekend for Australians overseas.
Robert Cornthwaite – Selangor [cup win]
Cornthwaite teamed up with former Socceroos player and one-time Melbourne Victory boss Mehmet Durakovic to win the Malaysian Cup at the weekend. It was a 2-0 victory over second division champions Kedah that sealed Cornthwaite’s first professional trophy. Durakovic made his own little piece of history by becoming the first non-Malaysian to win the title as a player and manager. He played for the club in the 1990s and won three-straight cups as a defender. It is a nice reward for the former Adelaide United player and B-League favourite who has never been a Socceroos regular but a consistent performer throughout his career.
You can’t buy teamwork ?? #redgiant #selangorfamily #selangorfa #selangor #pialamalaysia… https://t.co/kQ1HWPwHr2
— 코 니. Rob Cornthwaite (@robcornthwaite) December 14, 2015
Awer Mabil – FC Midtjylland & Mat Ryan – Valencia [European draws]
These two players found out their respective fates as the Europa League draw for the first knockout stage was made. Mabil’s FC Midtjylland faces a glamour tie against Manchester United which, based on current form, should be able to be won with only one or two goals from the Danish side. Of course that is easier said than done. A boyhood United fan, this will be great motivation for Mabil to try and become a regular in the first team. As it stands, he has only made four appearances, all off the bench as he continues his development.
Ryan, on the other hand, will be facing Rapid Vienna after Valencia were unable to progress from the Champions League group phase. As it stands, they should be expected to progress from this tie. However it would be surprising if Ryan features heavily; he is second choice to Juame at the moment.
Ryan McGowan – Dundee [0n-pitch incident]
Not one to back away from a confrontation, the utility defender was involved in an incident with team mates during Saturday’s game. While it was not quite at the level of Lee Bowyer versus Kieran Dyer, it was certainly entertaining to watch. After his full-back Mark Durnan brought down his opposing winger, McGowan aggressively went after his team mate not so subtlety, telling him that he was not doing a good enough job shutting him down. Durnan then took offence to being told off so strongly and tried to shove his captain away. It was the most fight the team showed as they went down to Partick Thistle 1-0.
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