By Mark Gojszyk

Ask a coach what he wants from a versatile front-third player and you can expect the answer to include speed, flair, and an eye for goal.

Hume City's Jai Ingham possesses all these traits in abundance, scoring five times so far this season and providing numerous assists, with his form earning him the joint NPL Victoria Player of the Month for February/March.

The former Brisbane Olympic forward, who won the league in Queensland before joining Brisbane Roar's youth side, and making his A-League debut in 2013, is one a host of Queenslanders to descend upon the NPL in Victoria in 2015, making an immediate impact down south.

Off the pitch, the 21-year-old is unassuming, revealing he's enjoying his time in Victoria and is determined to continue his strong start to the campaign.

"I was very happy when I heard the news, I've really wanted to make an impact since making the move to the Victorian NPL," Ingham said.

"So far I think I have done so.

"I love to get myself in a one-on-one position with my defender and use my ability to score or assist a goal."

Ingham attributes his blistering start to the strong bond he's formed with the Hume City playing and coaching staff, including manager Lou Acevski, who had him hit the ground running since joining the club in late 2014.

"I could put that [playing form] down to my pre-season," he said.

"Me and my teammates have worked very hard and I guess for myself it is paying off.

"I have settled in very, very well, my teammates were extremely welcoming, and my coaches have also helped me progress in my football since being at Hume City."

Following his departure from Brisbane Roar, the youngster admits he was tempted to make the trip south after hearing about the quality of the league in Victoria, and when Hume City came calling, he had no hesitation in accepting the challenge.

He hasn't been disappointed with the standard of competition so far, which he believes has brought out the best in him and has driven him to continue improving.

"When I was released from Brisbane, there were a few teams from Melbourne asking me to make the move and I have heard a lot of good things about the league here in Victoria," he said.

"When Hume came calling, that's when I made my decision to move down to the NPL.

"The standard in Queensland is a lot different to here, I think the NPL is a lot stronger in many ways, it is a lot more physical, and there are a lot of good players in this league."

Ingham won't be resting on his laurels, however, preparing to propel the 5th placed City as high up the ladder as possible to battle for a maiden NPL finals appearance in 2015.

Photo: Bulent Yontem