Central Coast Mariners Members and supporters will be heartened by the potential come back of youth international and club favourite Danny Vukovic for Sunday’s Hyundai A-League fixture against the Wellington Phoenix at Bluetongue Stadium.
Central Coast Mariners Members and supporters will be heartened by the potential come back of youth international and club favourite Danny Vukovic for Sunday-s Hyundai A-League fixture against the Wellington Phoenix at Bluetongue Stadium.
Vukovic is now eligible for selection in the Hyundai A-League after serving a five-match suspension and will battle with team-mates Mark Bosnich, Matthew Nash and Andrew Redmayne throughout the week for the starting spot in the Mariners- goal.
With Bosnich nearing a complete recovery from his hamstring strain and Redmayne enjoying a purple patch of form for club and country, Vukovic-s passage to the position that he has had such a monopoly on for the past three seasons may not be as clear cut as first thought.
Regardless, the outstanding shot stopper and season two Mariners Medallist has prepared for Sunday-s match like any other and having impressed for the Mariners National Youth League team last Saturday, is itching to again contribute to the yellow and navy-s Premiership defence.
“I-m going to get myself ready for a game on Sunday, if I play I-ll be very happy, if not, I-m just happy to be back from suspension and putting everything behind me,” said Vukovic.
“It-s been tough coming to training with the team, who are preparing for a big game at the weekend and knowing that you can-t play.
“That-s all finished now and I can concentrate on trying to get back into the team.”
Vukovic, who started the Mariners- opening two Hyundai A-League matches this season before commencing his five-match ban, will be hoping to add to his club record 20 clean sheets in the Hyundai A-League against the Phoenix, against whom he has only conceded two competitive goals previously from five starts.
If selected, Vukovic will also celebrate his milestone 75th competitive appearance for the Mariners – becoming the fifth player to do so behind Alex Wilkinson (90), Andrew Clark (76), John Hutchinson (76) and Adam Kwasnik (75).
Having recently penned a fresh three-year deal that will keep the 23-year-old on the Central Coast until 2012, Vukovic is now clear to play a starring role for the Mariners for the remainder of his fourth season in yellow and navy, starting with Sunday-s clash against the Phoenix.
“It-s a home game and we set out to win all of our home games,” said Vukovic.
“Wellington are a tough side, we know they-re a workmanlike side and a few of their players, including Adam Kwasnik who was a former player of ours and a good mate of mine.
“It-ll be good to go out there and I-ll be giving Adam quite a bit if I do play, but we-re confident that we can get the win and always confident when we play in front of our home fans.”
The Mariners- Hyundai A-League 2008/09 campaign continues at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday, 19 October, when they host the Wellington Phoenix in Round 8. Kick off is at 3pm.
Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
