Berisha hopeful George will commit to Melbourne Victory

Besart Berisha is eager for Leroy George to extend his stay at Melbourne Victory as the pair continue to refine a lethal attacking partnership.

George, 30, is nearing the end of a one-season deal he signed in September.

The Dutch winger has enjoyed a sensational first Hyundai A-League campaign and appears to be improving his connection with Berisha, the pair trading assists for the first two of Victory’s five goals against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.

“I believe Leroy knows how much he is welcome to us. As players we love him,” Berisha told reporters.

“He is a great player and you can see every game what he does with the ball and the standard of delivery.

“I hope we can keep him because players like this we want to keep going and enjoy what he does.

“It would be sad to see him leave.”

Leroy George

Victory’s comprehensive defeat of the Mariners improved their winning run to three league matches and lifted the club to third on the ladder.

Berisha attributes the improved patch of form to a healthy camaraderie enhanced by the team’s AFC Champions League excursions.

“There’s a good feeling with everybody and we’re really just enjoying our football at the moment,” he said.

“Maybe the Champions League helps because we’re travelling a long way to China or Japan and you are together, you are bonding together.

“Everything helps. You can see everybody is enjoying the game and that is very important. “