Wonderkid Akol Akon has been backed to begin the new A-League season with a bang after the Sydney FC teenager returned to training in such devastating touch that captain Rhyan Grant considered retiring.
Akon, who only turned 17 in May, burst onto the scene for the Sky Blues last season and is set to become a key outlet of Sydney's attack for the upcoming ALM campaign.
The Sky Blues open their season at Allianz Stadium on Friday, October 16 with their first derby against former coach Ufuk Talay, who quit midway through last season to join bitter rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
Akon has reportedly garnered the attention of clubs in Europe and a strong showing to start the new campaign would further enhance his hopes of sealing an overseas move, although it's worth noting he can't make a move abroad until he turns 18.
But Grant, 35, is keen to see what the teenager can do with a full pre-season under his belt after being given the run-around by Sydney's school-age forward.
"In the first couple weeks of pre-season, we did some one-on-ones and he was giving me a bath and was making me consider whether I should be doing another season or not," Grant told AAP.
"But lucky enough, I stood around after that session and got through a few more and started to feel a little bit better about myself.
"He's just as tough as he looks and he's got a massive future and I'd say he's a huge talent.
"It doesn't matter who you are, he can make you look silly, if you get in a tussle he's a strong boy who's quick and sharp but can hold his own in a challenge."
Akon was handed his starting debut by Talay before his acrimonious exit to the Wanderers.
Grant, whose side are through to the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup, is anticipating a hostile atmosphere.
"It's always a big focus for but with it being the first game of the entire season is nice too and a Friday night game is pretty rare for a derby," Grant said.
"We're expecting a big big turnout and there's a little bit of extra spice with Ulfie over there now."
