Minutes off the bench proved to be the theme of the weekend for Shepparton soccer exports Alou and Garang Kuol.
The former Goulburn Valley Suns — currently plying their trade in Germany and Scotland respectively — continue their recent dominance of Australian soccer headlines with spells in two of Europe’s top club competitions.
Making his league debut as a second-half substitute for VFB Stuttgart in the German top division on Saturday morning, 21-year-old Alou entered his side’s contest against RB Leipzig in the 86th minute.
Unable to turn around the 2-1 result, Alou managed 16 minutes on the pitch in his maiden first-team call-up, a positive sign for the Australian youth international.
His first senior appearance since a brief cameo on loan for SV Sandhausen in Germany’s second division last year, the FIFA Puskas award nominee’s attacking exploits clearly remain well and truly in the conversation at his German club.
Meanwhile in Scotland, Alou’s younger brother Garang came close to helping Heart of Midlothian take home the three points against Livingston on Monday morning.
Supported by a vocal contingent of away fans at Livingston’s Almondvale Stadium, Garang came off the bench in the 46th minute and showed plenty of promise.
Producing a blistering run soon after his introduction, the Socceroo missed a key opportunity to break the 0-0 deadlock.
Finding himself at the forefront of a rapid counter-attack, Kuol got on the end of a pinpoint Stephen Humphrys pass before hitting his shot directly into the keeper.
Making a number of other impressive runs throughout the second half — including a penalty shout — Garang showed once again that he is able to play at a high level.
Speaking after the game, the 18-year-old labelled the 0-0 result a “scrappy” match.
“I was unfortunate not to score a goal which could’ve won the game, but I think the boys came, we fought hard and we just have to look to (the game against) Rangers,” Kuol said.
“I’m not going to make any excuses (for the missed opportunity), it wasn’t good enough and I’ve just got to practice and make sure I score the next time.
“I’m going to keep pushing in training, keep trying to train well and hopefully the gaffer can pick me in the starting 11.”
Making the move on loan to Hearts earlier this month, Monday’s match against Livingston was Kuol’s second appearance for his new club, following a short spell against St Mirren on January 14.