‘I can do this’: Roar’s Matilda ready to step up
Anna Harrington |
Chloe Lincoln had two options on her Asian Cup debut: sink or swim.
The Brisbane Roar goalkeeper chose to dive in and not look back, going from fourth-choice option to starting for the Matildas within days.
The 21-year-old is reaping the rewards of that intense experience and now feels ready to push No.1 Mackenzie Arnold.
“That Asian Cup really shifted something within me mindset-wise,” Lincoln told AAP.
“To be in that environment for pretty much a month and getting that exposure for that consistent amount of time, it allowed me to really hold my standards, build my standards higher and maintain those for longer periods of time.
“It really helped with the consistency side of things.
“Being in that environment and then coming back into A-Leagues, it really gives you the confidence to be like ‘I can do this. I can perform and I can perform in Matildas and I can transfer that into A-Leagues.”
Lincoln had an up-and-down campaign last year but has ironed those mistakes out of her game this season while making some terrific saves.
The goalkeeper is set to be called up for upcoming friendlies against Colombia in Canberra and Geelong when Joe Montemurro names his Matildas squad next week.
Lincoln, capped six times, will be the No.2 behind Arnold, given Teagan Micah’s ongoing absence due to concussion.
Goalkeeping coach Tony Franken and Arnold have made it clear Lincoln is there for a reason.
“Tony is really encouraging me to try and push her and try and compete and not just see myself as someone who’s grateful to be there but also someone who wants to push for playing time as well,” Lincoln said.
“So (I’m) slowly trying to embrace that mindset in camps and ‘Mac’ has been supportive in that space as well.
“She’s had a few conversations with me about what her experience was like when she was in my position and just trying to make the most of things, embrace being in the environment and making the most of the experience that you get there.
“It obviously is a bit of a step up from A-League, so at times it can be hard to come in and find your feet but she’s been an unbelievable role model in that sense.
“I hope that I can continue to support her but also push her to be better and just keep the competition high because ultimately that makes us all better.”
First, Lincoln wants to back up Brisbane’s breakthrough 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory against former club Canberra United this Sunday.
“To come out against Victory and put on a performance like that – and we showed a lot of fight on the weekend too – it was really special to be part of,” Lincoln said.
“Hopefully we can just carry on the momentum now and I’m just gonna keep trying to do everything I can to support the girls in that.”
AAP