Mark Bresciano is training with A-League club Melbourne Heart as he seeks to boost his fitness ahead of a potential World Cup berth.
Bresciano is serving a four-month ban by world football body FIFA over a transfer dispute, ruling him out of competitive matches until March.
The suspended Socceroos midfielder popped up at Epping – Heart’s modest suburban training ground – on Wednesday morning with the rest of John van `t Schip’s squad.
Bresciano told journalists last month he hoped to find a club to train with that also offered friendly matches, possibly in Italy.
Heart were coy on how long Bresciano would stay training with the club; or whether they are lining up a potential deal for the playmaker when his suspension ends.
If a move to an A-League club becomes possible, it would allow Bresciano to play five regular-season matches before the finals start in April.
Heart fullback Aziz Behich said the whole group would benefit from having a player of Bresciano’s calibre at the club.
“Everyone knows Bresciano and what he’s done. He’ll be good to have around the group even if it’s just training,” Behich said.
“The experience he brings, he’ll help a lot of us young players. I think he’ll lift the tempo.”
Heart travel to the NSW country town of Albury to play Perth Glory on Sunday.
The Bear
Guest
Harry. Now Bresch. Tide has turned, indeed.
The Bear
Guest
This will be the common sense approach that AP will adopt. Question is will players like Oggers be left behind for talented fresh (read inexperienced internationals ) like Spiranovic , for example. I think we all agree on this final point.
Phutbol
Guest
I've said it before but I'll repeat - taking 2-4 experienced players makes a lot of sense, even if they only play cameo/impact roles off the bench. IMO it would help the development of the youngsters more having them in than having an entire squad of inexperienced youth being put to the sword. Some steadying influences will be needed in the face of Spain, Holland and Chile. If fit and performing I'd have Cahil, Kewel, Bresc, Kennedy in the squad. Not Neill though. I think he may be too late to get a team and show if he is still worthy of a spot.
Phutbol
Guest
i thought it was the "I Sparticus" pose....
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
Melbourne City Sky Blues already attracting the big guns?
Stevo
Guest
U have hard balls LOL. Soften up sunshine!
gonad the ballbearing
Guest
Given all the circumstances around the upcoming WC i think it would be helpfull if the likes of Bresc Harry and neill joined Schartzer in int retirement. It's not like we have a chance to do anything other than get experience, so pick the youngsters.
Stevo
Guest
Having kittens now hahahahahahaha !!!!!!
Punter
Guest
Great if Bresc would join heart, one of my favourite Socceroos. The Superman goal celebration after the goal against Uruguay will live long in my memory.
The Bear
Guest
Guest Player/Australian Marquee? Omfg ;)