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Brisbane Roar youngsters underline urgent need for A-League expansion

The emergence of the Brisbane Roar's generation next has further underlined the pressing need for A-League expansion, coach John Aloisi says.

A spate of injuries and heavy legs forced Aloisi to turn to his younger players in Tuesday night's AFC Champions League clash against Muangthong United, and they didn't disappoint.

Rookie defender Cameron Crestani was outstanding in his senior starting debut, 18-year-old striker Nick D'Agostino was desperately unlucky not to bag his first goal in the senior side, utility Dane Ingham was again serviceable and second-half substitute Joey Caletti helped change the game as the Roar fought out a 0-0 draw against the Thai Premier League champions at Suncorp Stadium.

All would be unfamiliar names to A-League audiences simply because they haven't had much of a chance to play, with so many senior players ahead of them in Brisbane's pecking order.

But none have looked out of place, suggesting there is more than enough depth bubbling under the surface in Australian football to fill out more A-League teams.

"We all know there needs to be more teams in the league, and the expansion, and giving young players an opportunity," Aloisi said.

"We're lucky enough we're able to give them an opportunity now. They showed they've got a big future and we're fortunate to have them at this club.

"Just make sure you make Champions League and get a schedule like we have, and then you'll get to play your younger players."

Stanthorpe product Crestani, 20, was arguably the pick of the bunch, helping contain Muangthong's star-studded frontline alongside stand-in captain Jade North and goalkeeper Jamie Young, who made a string of key saves.

"Country boy. He's hard. He comes from a good family," Aloisi said.

"He's had to wait for a long time for his opportunity.

"He's a good leader -- from the sideline, I could hear Cam was revving up our players and coaching out there.

"It's great to see, when a young player who's just burst onto the scene and he's the one that's trying to get everyone going."

More opportunities could beckon on Saturday night against the Wellington Phoenix, with sidelined trio Matt McKay (broken nose), Thomas Kristensen (hamstring) and Luke DeVere (calf) no certainty to return.

"It's great for our squad. The other players know they need to perform each week because there's a younger player there ready and we know how good they are," Aloisi said.

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