Salute the A-League - salute Matt McKay

Harry did it in the last minute but for most of us followers of Aussie football it was Matt McKay the Aussie who roared.

Inspirational.

Technically adept, swift of foot and can he run. In the modern game you need a motor, in the international game you need an exceptional motor, especially in midfield.

McKay has this. Look at the times he got beyond the forwards, look at how he moved his feet, the ball, swiftly away from opposition feet. Technically sound - and he plays in the A-League!

And with 118 minutes gone the mobile McKay again found space against a tiring but entertaining Iraq and he swung in a delightful ball for Kewell to score.

In that moment the A-League came of age.

This wasn't Craig Moore or Jason Culina, returning Socceroos who play A-League and made huge contributions to the Socceroos.

This was Matt McKay, current Brisbane Roar star, who has played the last six years in the first six years of the A-League.

Yet here he was good enough to be among the men of the match in an Asia Cup Quarter Final.

With Big Sas, Mile Jedinak, David Carney and co all making huge contributions, all A-League produced.....you knock the A-League at your peril.

With the A-League standard on the rise how long before we see more Aussies placed straight into the Socceroos before they head overseas.

The game takes another step.