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Controversial Central Coast `keeper Danny Vukovic has turned to reformed bad boy Mark Bosnich to help him through the most difficult period of his life.
On the eve of one of the most important matches in his young career, a rueful Vukovic today spoke of his budding friendship with the former Manchester United and Socceroos star, the difficulty of watching the Olyroos’ disappointing Beijing campaign from afar and his desire for redemption against the Newcastle Jets.
The 23-year-old, infamously banned for striking referee Mark Shield in the A-League grand final loss to Newcastle in February, will take the field against the same opponents in an A-League season opener of monster proportions tomorrow night after being gifted a bizarre reprieve.
Football Federation Australian handed Vukovic a structured ban to allow him to compete in the Games, only for world governing FIFA to overturn the decision to restrict the young talent from playing internationals.
It means Vukovic will be available for the first two weeks of the A-League season for the Mariners before a five-match ban kicks in.
“The Jets game means a lot to me, especially after the way last season finished,” Vukovic said today.
“That was very disappointing – and definitely stupid – and I’d like to just erase all memory of that, really.”
The last week has been a particularly trying one for the custodian, forced to watch on from his loungeroom as the Olyroos failed to progress beyond the group stage.
“It’s been mixed emotions watching the matches. I’ve got my good friends playing at the Olympics and I’m so happy for them to be there representing Australia,” he said.
“But at the same time, I know that I should be there with them and I would be if I didn’t do what I did in the grand final.
“It’s tough to take but I’ve only got myself to blame for it all. I’m looking forward to getting past it now.”
One man helping him move on is Bosnich.
The 36-year-old, whose controversial English Premier League career was cut short by a nine-month ban for cocaine use in 2002, is expected to sign a short-term deal with the Mariners to replace Vukovic while he serves his ban.
Vukovic said the two had grown close and he was thankful to be able to call on Bosnich for guidance.
“I train with him every day and we’ve become very good mates in the few weeks he’s been here,” Vukovic said.
“He’s always full of advice – not only with goalkeeping but just in life in general. He’s a very smart man and he’s passed on a lot of advice to me in the short time he’s been with us.
“There was a time there where I thought everything was against me,” he added.
“He’s been through a lot himself, and he’s told me things will always get better and not to be too hard on myself.”
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