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Aloisi picks five-time A-League winner Michael Theo as No. 1 at Brisbane

It's one of the hardest selection calls in the A-League but Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi has decided on his first-choice goalkeeper.

Five-time title winner Michael Theo will start the season between the sticks for the Roar goal after beating out Jamie Young.

The most decorated player in the A-League's short history has been far from an ever-present in the last two seasons, plagued by injury and poor form.

But the 35-year-old will begin his 11th campaign in goal for the Roar as Aloisi's No. 1.

"He's looked really sharp in preseason. Jamie's pushed him hard," Aloisi confirmed.

The former Socceroos striker said Theo's fighting qualities had earned him the nod over Young.

"He's a winner. We've got a lot of winners," he said. "He looks sharp. He looks good. He looks fit.

"He's one of them that's won five championships. We've got a lot of players that want to win again."

Just in front of Theo is likely to be fit-again centre-half Luke DeVere, 18 months after his last A-League match.

Thigh and knee injuries have held the one-time Socceroo back and Aloisi said his pre-season work meant he was a "big chance" of lining up for round one.

"Last year we virtually had to hold him back," Aloisi said.

"He proved in preseason against Perth Glory in a friendly game he's ready to go. He's such a good leader and everyone talks about new signings, well he's like a new signing for us."

Although Aloisi is excited about the players that are coming in to his side, he was full of praise for the ones that are likely to miss out.

The second-season Roar mentor said he'd seen enough at training in Ballymore Oval and in intra-club friendlies to convince him that he'll be spoilt for choice at the selection table this campaign.

"The other day when we played the internal it was exciting for me as a coach because I would be confident with whatever XI I would put out on the pitch against any A-League opposition," he said.

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