A-League preliminary finalists Central Coast have received a boost ahead of the 2012-13 season, after utility Daniel McBreen extended his contract by 12 months.
A-League preliminary finalists Central Coast have received a boost ahead of the 2012-13 season, after utility Daniel McBreen extended his contract by 12 months.
McBreen’s contract was due to expire following the recent league season, but the adaptable attacker, 35, has decided to continue playing at the highest level in Australia.
“If you look after yourself you can play quite late into your thirties,” McBreen said.
“‘Zwaany’ (37-year-old team-mate Patrick Zwaanswijk) is a great example of that.
“I love the game and I want to keep playing for as long as I can at the highest standard I can.
“I had a couple of injuries which held me back when I was around 30 and it has taken me the last 18 months to two years to realise my peak fitness again.”
The Mariners are also currently involved in AFC Champions League action, and McBreen said he was swayed by coach Graham Arnold’s appeals for him to stay at the club to continue to play in the elite club tournament of Asian football.
“As ‘Arnie’ keeps saying to us, the Champions League is international football. It’s a great experience for the younger and older players alike and everyone wants to play in it. It’s hard with travel, but it’s a joy to be a part of,” the former Falkirk and North Queensland Fury man said.
And on the Mariners’ upcoming clash with Tianjin Teda at Bluetongue Stadium on Tuesday, McBreen said it was vital his side stayed in knockout-stage contention having not registered a victory in four games in Group G.
“We know that this game is a must win for us now after the result in Korea,” he said.
“We know we need all three points, and they’re obviously a good team, but we’ve been pinpointing some areas where we believe we can take advantage.”
