Veteran Central Coast Mariner Daniel McBreen knows he cannot waste any opportunities if he is going to extend his long career beyond this Hyundai A-League season.
Veteran Central Coast Mariner Daniel McBreen knows he cannot waste any opportunities if he is going to extend his long career beyond this Hyundai A-League season.
McBreen, 34, is in the second year of a two-year contract at the Mariners and is desperate to grab any chance he can to extend his career another season.
That is why McBreen has been so happy with his form in recent weeks.
Normally an out and out striker, McBreen has been deployed at the pointy end of coach Graham Arnold’s midfield diamond for the past month and has been outstanding.
After a sluggish start to the season the Mariners have picked up three wins and a draw from their past four starts to be sitting in second position.
McBreen’s form has been a key feature in the club’s revival. His link play between defence and strikers Matt Simon and Bernie Ibini has been a vital part of the team’s success.
Arnold used McBreen in the attacking midfield role during the pre-season and the move has proved a masterstroke from the Mariners coach.
With young gun Mustafa Amini regaining top fitness and recruit Adriano Pellegrino finding his feet, McBreen has jumped at the chance to establish himself in the team.
He will be hoping for another big performance when the Mariners host Melbourne Heart at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Saturday night.
“When I’m up front I’m more of a target man and have my back to goal a lot and have to wrestle with two centre halves,” McBreen said.
“Playing behind the strikers you get to see a lot more of the pitch and get a lot more ball.”
“You’re facing towards the goals more; it’s been good.”
How long Arnold sticks with McBreen in the position remains to be seen. His form is good but there are several players battling for midfield positions at the Mariners.
Pellegrino is desperate for another shot, Amini is one of the best young attacking players in the country and veteran John Hutchinson is now back on the coast after a stint playing in the Chinese Super League.
McBreen is also keen to keep starting so he can enhance his prospects of a contract extension.
“Hopefully I’ll sit down with the club soon to work something out,” McBreen said.
