Frank Farina QUEENSLAND Roar CEO Lawrence Oudendyk and Coach Frank Farina swapped rain and rest for samba and sun yesterday, the pair departing for Brazil ahead of their ten-day scouting mission in the talent-rich country.

With the departures of Reinaldo, Marcinho and Simon Lynch from the club in recent weeks, several international spots have opened up on the playing roster, with Farina yesterday saying he would be searching far and wide for the right players.

“At the end of the day, I don’t care where they come from – Europe, Brazil, Africa, Australia – it’s about whether they’re right for the club,” said Farina.

“However Brazil is a market that is renowned for producing very skilful players and if you look hard enough they are much cheaper as well. The reality is that if you’re competing against European clubs for talent over there, you’re never going to be able to offer the same deal financially.

“By looking in Brazil we can potentially find a great undiscovered talent.”

With the Roar announcing a one-year partnership with Brazilian powerhouse Atletico Miniero earlier this month, Farina said the trip would also give him a chance to see how a possible exchange program could work where his local youngsters could learn their trade in the skill-focused Brazil.

“Without having seen the set-up yet, I’ve heard very good things about it and it would be good for some of our youngsters or players in the youth team to go over there and get games, experience and develop their skills.

“We may come back with two players, or one player or no players from this trip, but it will be very worthwhile for the club regardless.”