Nik Mrdja hasn’t had long to adjust to Melbourne life but is ready to spearhead the Melbourne Victory attack as it battles for Hyundai A-League Finals Series and AFC Champions League glory.
Nik Mrdja hasn’t had long to adjust to Melbourne life but is ready to spearhead the Melbourne Victory attack as it battles for Hyundai A-League Finals Series and AFC Champions League glory.
Since arriving earlier this month, as an injury replacement player for Billy Celeski, Mrdja has been thrust straight into action at the business end of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season.
Injuries to fellow forwards Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse have further emphasized the role Nik will play in Melbourne Victory’s biggest period of the season and the 31-year-old is focused on the crucial few weeks ahead.
“We’re looking forward to the Finals Series and the ACL now. It was unfortunate to lose out to Sydney (for the Premier’s Plate) but we have got to look ahead.
“Finishing second in the Premiership is a fantastic achievement, and a credit to the squad we have here, but the lads are now focused on the big games to come.
“The boys have experienced these type of occasions before and I’m sure there ready and able to handle it.”
Mrdja, who has been signed until August this year, scored 12 goals in 42 appearances for Central Coast Mariners.
However, his time with the Mariners has been blighted by injuries and the powerhouse forward is happy to just be playing regular soccer again.
“I’ve been out for a while with injuries over the last four years and I’ve missed out on a lot of soccer.
“This is a positive move for me and I’m looking forward to getting some more games under my belt.”
With the FIFA World Cup in South Africa only four months away, Mrdja, who has one Qantas Socceroos cap to his name, could force his way into coach Pim Verbeek’s plans by proving he can perform on the big stage for Melbourne Victory.
“I’m taking one game at a time, if something like that came around then it would be a massive bonus, but I don’t think about that at all.
“I’m still learning little bits and pieces and working out how the boys play. The more I play, the more I’ll understand and settle into the side, and the better I’ll get.
“My focus is with Victory and to make sure I do all I can to help Victory win as many games as possible.
“If we can win a few games and pick up a few Championship medals along the way then that would be great.”
