5 hours ago
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Sydney FC striker Pat Wood is only 23, but he is on the verge of an achievement many footballers would love to have on their CV.
If he enters the fray on Sunday against Macarthur at Leichhardt Oval, Wood will chalk up 100 career games for the Sky Blues.
He is just the 24th player to do so, dating back to 2005.
Given Wood is an Academy product - he has been with the A-League club since he was 13 - it 'means everything.'
'It is a huge achievement,' he told the Daily Mail. 'I can't believe it, some days I have to pinch myself.
'I dreamed of playing one game... so to be in a position to have 100 appearances for the club I have supported all my life is very special.'
Sydney FC striker Pat Wood is only 23, but he is on the verge of an achievement many footballers would love to have on their CV (pictured, celebrating a recent goal against the Central Coast Mariners)
If Wood enters the fray on Sunday against Macarthur at Leichhardt Oval, the forward will chalk up 100 career games for the Sky Blues
Wood is the type of player all coaches crave - hard-working, respectful and a team player.
Primarily used so far this season by Ufuk Talay as an impact player, he is edging closer to a starting spot after scoring in recent games against the Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets.
'I would love more minutes, so I guess if I keep scoring that won't hurt my chances,' he said.
'Competition for spots is good, it keeps everyone on their toes and we push each other to be better.
'We have developed a real brotherhood, and the past couple of games have shown that togetherness.... I think we can go all the way this season.'
At 23, Wood feels like a 'veteran' at times given he has been with the first-grade squad since 2020 - but is always open to feedback.
'Guys like Buster (Rhyan Grant) and Joe Lolley, they have been great,' he said.
'Their careers speak for themselves, so when they give me advice, I certainly listen.
Primarily used as an impact player this season, Wood (pictured, right) is edging closer to a starting spot after scoring in recent A-League games against the Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets
Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay has been delighted at Wood's prowess in front of goal - and urged the striker to keep finding the back of the net
'Eventually I would like to play overseas, but I am in no hurry... if I can keep improving little aspects of my game, who knows what will happen.'
Talay has been delighted at Wood's prowess in front of goal - and urged the forward to keep finding the back of the net.
'I'm really happy for 'Woody'... we sent him out on loan last season to Perth Glory, and he has come back a different player,' he said.
'It made him appreciate what he has (at Sydney FC)... he has been here a while now, and I think he will only get better over the next couple of years.'
