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Verbeek delighted with performance of Brisbane's Oar

Australia coach Pim Verbeek was delighted with the first international performance of teenage winger Tommy Oar last night.

The 18-year old left-sided Brisbane Roar midfielder made his full Socceroos debut in the 1-0 win over Indonesia in his home town of Brisbane which saw the Aussies confirm their qualification for the 2011 Asian Cup.

Oar played a full 90 minutes and impressed with his barnstorming runs down the left flank and brilliant delivery into the penalty area, delighting Verbeek.

"I wish I could keep the pressure (on Oar) down a bit more, but I have to be honest, I think he played a fantastic game," said the Dutchman.

"I could say that he didn't, or that he has a few things to improve on, but I think he was fantastic."

But Verbeek remained cautious of the fact that Oar is still so young and only in the infancy of his football career.

"Let's try and keep it normal for the boy - he's just 18 years old - don't mention him as the next Harry Kewell, please," he added.

"Let the boy just develop, he had a great year, and after a great year we all know it will be very difficult for him to stay at the same level."

Oar has been linked with a move to Europe next season with Dutch club Feyenoord expressing plenty of interest.

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Andrew Slevison
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