Bosnich determined after sealing Mariners deal
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Mark Bosnich has signed with the Mariners for seven weeks. (Getty Images: Gareth Cattermole, file photo)
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich says he is ready to restart his career after sealing a seven-week deal with the Central Coast Mariners.
The former Manchester United player is due to replace suspended Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic and play his first professional match in seven years against Sydney FC on Saturday.
Bosnich's last appearance in top-flight competition was for Chelsea in November 2001 before his career imploded following a failed drugs test and nine-month ban.
The 36-year-old said he was excited to be playing again, but had not thought beyond the Mariners stint.
"They say you don't truly miss something or know how much it meant to you until it's gone or taken away from you... and I have missed it," Bosnich said.
"I'm just looking forward to taking this step by step and doing these games and then we can see afterwards where things lie.
"I feel very, very fit, but I still have a long way to go.
"I think that will come with match practice and in the next three weeks I am looking forward to getting back to a certain level that is comparable to where I was in the past."
Mariners chief executive Lyall Gorman said Bosnich, whom he described as one of the greats of Australian football, had created a huge impression at the club.
"Since joining us as a trialist, Mark has proven to be an exceptional role model for not only the younger members of our playing group but also our senior players," he said.
"We as a club have been simply amazed by the work ethic Mark has showcased since joining our playing group and cannot speak highly enough of the overwhelmingly positive effect his presence has had on our squad and our club."
- AFP
