Post by radar on Sept 6, 2007 8:01:19 GMT 10
Michael Cockerill - Sydney Morning Herald -September 6, 2007
NIK Mrdja has never played for Australia and spent most of the past two years on the treatment table. But tonight at Suncorp Stadium the reborn Central Coast Mariners striker may be playing for the biggest prize of his career.
Mrdja, 28, is vying with Melbourne Victory frontman Danny Allsopp for a late call-up to the Socceroos for next week's friendly against Argentina at the MCG. The sudden withdrawal of Celtic striker Scott McDonald and persistent injury concerns surrounding Allsopp's teammate Archie Thompson have opened the door, and Mrdja may have the edge.
While Allsopp has struggled for form in the opening two rounds of the season, Mrdja has been on fire. A flawless first-half contribution against Wellington Phoenix last week - two goals and an assist - signalled a change in fortunes after two injury-ravaged seasons. The man who scored the final goal in the old NSL finally seems destined to blossom in the A-League, and it's believed national coach Graham Arnold is starting to take notice.
Mrdja is determined to keep his feet on the ground. Two years ago, in the inaugural A-League pre-season, he couldn't stop scoring, and his name started to be mentioned in connection with the Socceroos. But then came the injuries, and instead of promise, there was only pain. No wonder he's cautious.
"To be honest, I haven't even thought of it [Socceroos]," Mrdja said. "If it was to happen, of course it would be a dream come true c but after what's happened I've just got to take it one step at a time. I've had a hard few years, and at the moment I'm just enjoying scoring goals again, and getting my confidence back."
Mrdja need only look around the Mariners dressing room to see how form can be rewarded. Three players - goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, midfielder Bradley Porter, and wingback Dean Heffernan - will all be representing their country over the next week. Skipper Tony Vidmar has already done that with great distinction, while striker partner Sasho Petrovski and midfielder Tom Pondeljak have also worn the green and gold. Another power-packed display in Brisbane tonight, and Mrdja has every chance of joining them.
Born and raised in Perth, Mrdja was a late developer. "When I was 15 or 16, I still looked like I was 12," he said. "Everyone else was massive compared to me. But then I shot up, and suddenly I could compete."
Mrdja had to cross the country to get his opportunity, making his senior debut for the now-defunct Canberra Cosmos. But when he returned home to join Perth Glory, things started to happen. He scored 25 goals in 75 appearances and won two championships. After a brief spell in Sweden with AIK Solna, he became one of the key recruits for Central Coast's induction into the A-League, but until now the Mariners fans haven't seen the best of him. Mrdja senses things are finally starting to change.
"I can see the improvement, and I'm definitely hungrier than I've ever been," he said. "After sitting in the stands for so long, I feel like I've got a lot to prove. But that's only because I've got high expectations for myself. I want to show the fans, and the coaching staff, that I can play."
Meanwhile, the Mariners are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season against Queensland Roar, but will have to do it without two key players - Heffernan and Vukovic - who have been called up for the Socceroos and Olyroos respectively. The pair will be replaced by Damien Brown and Matthew Trott respectively.
Queensland's woes with injuries and suspensions have continued, with Andrew Packer ruled out with a calf strain, and Stuart McLaren serving a one-match ban. But coach Frank Farina will welcome back Danny Tiatto, Hyuk-Su Seo and Craig Moore from suspension, while striker Ante Milicic is fit again.
¡ Socceroos winger Ahmad Elrich, 26, is set to join the Mariners after being released by English club Fulham.
NIK Mrdja has never played for Australia and spent most of the past two years on the treatment table. But tonight at Suncorp Stadium the reborn Central Coast Mariners striker may be playing for the biggest prize of his career.
Mrdja, 28, is vying with Melbourne Victory frontman Danny Allsopp for a late call-up to the Socceroos for next week's friendly against Argentina at the MCG. The sudden withdrawal of Celtic striker Scott McDonald and persistent injury concerns surrounding Allsopp's teammate Archie Thompson have opened the door, and Mrdja may have the edge.
While Allsopp has struggled for form in the opening two rounds of the season, Mrdja has been on fire. A flawless first-half contribution against Wellington Phoenix last week - two goals and an assist - signalled a change in fortunes after two injury-ravaged seasons. The man who scored the final goal in the old NSL finally seems destined to blossom in the A-League, and it's believed national coach Graham Arnold is starting to take notice.
Mrdja is determined to keep his feet on the ground. Two years ago, in the inaugural A-League pre-season, he couldn't stop scoring, and his name started to be mentioned in connection with the Socceroos. But then came the injuries, and instead of promise, there was only pain. No wonder he's cautious.
"To be honest, I haven't even thought of it [Socceroos]," Mrdja said. "If it was to happen, of course it would be a dream come true c but after what's happened I've just got to take it one step at a time. I've had a hard few years, and at the moment I'm just enjoying scoring goals again, and getting my confidence back."
Mrdja need only look around the Mariners dressing room to see how form can be rewarded. Three players - goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, midfielder Bradley Porter, and wingback Dean Heffernan - will all be representing their country over the next week. Skipper Tony Vidmar has already done that with great distinction, while striker partner Sasho Petrovski and midfielder Tom Pondeljak have also worn the green and gold. Another power-packed display in Brisbane tonight, and Mrdja has every chance of joining them.
Born and raised in Perth, Mrdja was a late developer. "When I was 15 or 16, I still looked like I was 12," he said. "Everyone else was massive compared to me. But then I shot up, and suddenly I could compete."
Mrdja had to cross the country to get his opportunity, making his senior debut for the now-defunct Canberra Cosmos. But when he returned home to join Perth Glory, things started to happen. He scored 25 goals in 75 appearances and won two championships. After a brief spell in Sweden with AIK Solna, he became one of the key recruits for Central Coast's induction into the A-League, but until now the Mariners fans haven't seen the best of him. Mrdja senses things are finally starting to change.
"I can see the improvement, and I'm definitely hungrier than I've ever been," he said. "After sitting in the stands for so long, I feel like I've got a lot to prove. But that's only because I've got high expectations for myself. I want to show the fans, and the coaching staff, that I can play."
Meanwhile, the Mariners are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season against Queensland Roar, but will have to do it without two key players - Heffernan and Vukovic - who have been called up for the Socceroos and Olyroos respectively. The pair will be replaced by Damien Brown and Matthew Trott respectively.
Queensland's woes with injuries and suspensions have continued, with Andrew Packer ruled out with a calf strain, and Stuart McLaren serving a one-match ban. But coach Frank Farina will welcome back Danny Tiatto, Hyuk-Su Seo and Craig Moore from suspension, while striker Ante Milicic is fit again.
¡ Socceroos winger Ahmad Elrich, 26, is set to join the Mariners after being released by English club Fulham.
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