New York Red Bulls rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara admits he does get a little star struck when playing alongside the likes of Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez.
The 21-year old has been deployed as New York's number one keeper in just his first season and although he gets to take the pitch with such proven stars, he is aware that he cannot sit there watching these idols otherwise the game will get past him.
"You just obviously respect them; they've been all over the world playing at the highest level, so there's a lot to be learned from them. So it's been great.''"If you get caught watching Henry and what he's doing, or Marquez, you'll let something past you,'' said Meara.
Despite starting in both the Red Bulls' losses to date and conceding four goals, head coach Hans Backe is confident that Meara will be the club's future gloveman.
"He's (coming along) quite quick, because he's only 21 years old,'' Backe added.
"Going into the competitive MLS games, two on the road, and he hasn't so far - if you look at the preseason and the friendlies - made a mistake. He's looked very composed. He's a low-key guy, but a hard worker.
"Fingers crossed now, I think definitely he has a future.''/q>"There will of course be mistakes when you are that young. But we will try to support him as much as possible,'' said Backe. "The kind of character he is, too, I think and hope that he's our keeper for the future.
