Central Coast manager Lawrie McKinna has tipped Mark Bosnich’s comeback could take him back to Europe, but hopefully not before he helps the Mariners to a positive start to the Hyundai A-League season.
Central Coast manager Lawrie McKinna has tipped Mark Bosnich’s comeback could take him back to Europe, but hopefully not before he helps the Mariners to a positive start to the Hyundai A-League season.
Danny Vukovic is poised to miss rounds three to seven of the season as a result of his tangle with referee Mark Shield in last year’s grand final and McKinna is keen to have Bosnich stand in for the side’s regular keeper.
Bosnich, who had his Chelsea contract ripped up in 2002 following a failed drugs test, has so far impressed in two pre-season outings with Central Coast.
On Sunday afternoon, he made two crucial saves to ensure a 2-1 win over the Queensland Roar.
“Last week he did a bit of all right and then today when he came on he made a couple of point-blank saves,” McKinna enthused.
“He’s been fantastic. He’s training hard, he’s keen, he’s a pleasure to work with and today he showed again that he’s still got it.”
“We’re not looking at Mark for the season, we’re looking at the five-game gap when Danny is suspended.”
McKinna believes Bosnich is enjoying the quieter life of Terrigal but suspects that Europe will come calling sooner rather than later.
With Vukovic one of the country’s best developing keepers and goal-keeping coaches already in place, the Mariners mentor doesn’t expect to be able to hold on to the former Aston Villa and Manchester United stopper in the long term.
“If he keeps doing OK, there’s no reason why he can’t (get back to Europe). And maybe that’s the platform Mark is looking for.”
“When the transfer window opens up over there opportunities are going to arise.”
“If he is playing and playing well here, well, the games are televised over there and people are going to see he’s keen and has his head switched on.”
