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Jan 15, 2013   |  8:46PM AET

Rojas praises team-mates

Rojas praises team-mates

Melbourne Victory star Marco Rojas was full of praise for his team-mates after receiving the December nomination for NAB Young Footballer of the Year.

Melbourne Victory star Marco Rojas was full of praise for his team-mates after receiving the December nomination for NAB Young Footballer of the Year.

The Kiwi winger has enjoyed a breakthrough season under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou, scoring 10 goals and forming a deadly partnership with fellow forward Archie Thompson and was recognised for his efforts by receiving the nomination.

And while he was pleased with the recognition, the 21-year-old was quick to acknowledge the part his peers have played in what he believes is his best season yet.

“It’s always nice to be rewarded for your efforts (but) it’s a team game, primarily. I only do what I need to do for the team to get the points but it’s always nice to be recognised,” he said after an intense training session at Gosch’s Paddock on Tuesday.

“I’ve managed to put a few alright performances together and that’s what I was hoping to do, I needed to do that. That’s probably the thing that was lacking in my game and I’ve got to keep practicing and keep doing that week in week out so we can make a charge towards the end of the season.”

Despite his form, Rojas insists there are plenty of things for him to work on in order for him to become the player he wants to be, something he is confident will happen under Postecoglou.

“I’m very happy playing under him (Postecoglou) and it’s been really great for me. I’ve been able to do well and mainly the team’s been able to play some good football,” he said.

“There’s a lot of improvement (left to go). There’s always a lot of improvement. I’m nowhere near the finished product.

“As long as I keep focused and keep practising and keep wanting to improve I’m sure I’ll get a lot better.”

Rojas’ performances this season have seen him become the focal point of the majority of the Victory’s forays forward and while many believe the fate of the team largely rests on his shoulders, the former Wellington Phoenix man is not feeling the pressure – even with speculation of an overseas transfer come season’s end.

“No there’s no pressure. I mean, I’m doing what I love to do there’s no pressure in doing that. Of course, we have to do well for the fans and for the club so we’ll keep trying to do that but there’s no added pressure. It doesn’t take a toll on me,” he said.

“I don-t know what’s happening at the moment (in terms of transfers). I’m still processing that with the people close to me and we’ll come to a decision when I think I’ve made the right one and we’ll go from there.”

Victory are still in contention for a third Premiers Plate despite a 1-1 draw with the league-leading Central Coast Mariners in Launceston on Saturday and while admitting the result was disappointing Rojas believes his side can bounce back, starting with a win over Perth Glory on Saturday.

“It wasn-t the nicest change room to be in after. It was pretty disappointing,” he said.

“I thought we played some pretty good football, probably the best football we’ve played in the whole season and to not be rewarded with the three points was very disappointing.

“We need to start winning games and we’ve got eleven left so there is plenty of games left as long as we pick up the three points.”