Australia NewsMariners To Tour China |
LAWRIE McKinna says his Mariners side will likely tour China to keep match fit during the group stages of the Asian Champions League tournament.
With no A-League games between March and August, match fitness is a perennial problem for Australian sides. However, a tour of China, organised through the club's association with Sheffield United which has sister club arrangements in the Super League, will help greatly says McKinna.
And he's hoping that that the same link with the Bramall Lane club can see out of favour David Carney get some game time in the ACL with the Mariners.
"We'd say it's better to come home and play in the ACL and get some match fitness rather than play in the reserves over there," said McKinna.
"So it's a possibility."
The Mariners have been drawn with China's Tianjin Teda, South Korea's Pohang Steelers and J-League side Kawasaki Frontale.
"I'm quite happy," added McKinna. "It could be a lot worse. We've done basic research but now we know our opponents, we can do more homework.
"Any one of the four teams [in the group] can win it. But having two teams go through [from the group stage] is a great boost."
McKinna also praised the unity of Australian football which has seen former ACL combatants Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United in particular share their knowledge of the tournament.
"Viddy's [Reds oach Aurelio Vidmar] been fantastic in that regard," said McKinna.
Adelaide United defeated Pohang Steelers on their way to finishing runners up in the 2008 ACL.
McKinna added that the draw had generated a "big buzz" in Dubai: "I think the 2009 version will create an even bigger buzz than last year's."
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "Mariners To Tour China"? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
Have you got a scoop? Tell us about it and you could be the first to break the news on FourFourTwo.
