Bosnich eyes return to English football

Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has signed a seven-week contract with A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners.

The 36-year-old keeper, who last played in the Australian top flight in December 1991, has been on trial with the reigning A-League champions for the last month and is eligible to face Sydney on Saturday.

Bosnich has not played professional football since he was sacked by Chelsea and handed a nine-month ban by the Football Association after testing positive for cocaine in 2003.

“I’m just taking it step by step, this is the first little tick in the box and I’m very thankful to everybody at Central Coast,” said Bosnich.

“I feel very, very fit, I’ve still got a long way to go fitness-wise and I think that will come with match practice.

“I’m looking forward in the next three weeks to getting back to a certain level that is comparable to where I was in the past.”

Pressed on his plans for the future, Bosnich would not rule out a return to England should an offer arise.

“If I was fortunate enough to get an offer I would sit down with every one concerned who has an interest and who I care about and discuss that, but I don’t really think that’s up to me,” he added.

“If someone was generous enough to make an offer then I would consider it and I’d be totally honest and up front with Central Coast – there’s no smoke and mirrors here.”