Central Coast Mariners defender Dean Heffernan will join his teammate Danny Vukovic in the Qantas Socceroos squad for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kuwait City on Wednesday, 6 January after being called up by national coach Pim Verbeek today.
Central Coast Mariners defender Dean Heffernan will join his teammate Danny Vukovic in the Qantas Socceroos squad for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kuwait City on Wednesday, 6 January after being called up by national coach Pim Verbeek today.
Heffernan comes in to the 23-man squad in place of Gold Coast United captain Jason Culina, who has withdrawn from the clash after picking up a knee injury in his side-s 5-1 win over Brisbane Roar yesterday.
“Obviously its a massive honour to be called up, and the squad is full of quality players, so I-ll be going in just really keen to show Pim what I can offer and put myself in the best position I can to get some game time,” said Heffernan.
Should Heffernan see game time at Kuwait SC Stadium it would mark his second Qantas Socceroos cap, after making his international debut in a nil-all draw with Indonesia in Jakarta last January, and was an unused sub in Australia-s last AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Canberra in March.
The call up is a just reward for one of the Mariners- most consistent performers of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season to date, having played a starring role in the solid defensive line, which has been a hallmark of the club-s current campaign.
“He-s been outstanding for us over the last six weeks and it-s great for him that he-s got the opportunity, but now it-s up to him to impress,” said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.
Heffernan-s role in the Qantas Socceroos squad for the clash means he, along with Vukovic, will be unavailable for the Mariners- vital Hyundai A-League Round 21 clash against Wellington Phoenix at Bluetongue Stadium on New Year-s Eve, which will see the team come out desperate to snap a four match losing streak, in front of what is hoped will be the biggest crowd of the season.
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be the New Years Eve extravaganza against Wellington Phoenix on Thursday, 31 December. Kick-off is at 6:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
For more information about the Gosford New Year-s Eve festival go to www.gosfordnye.com.au
Mariners Four Match Christmas Packs are available online by clicking here
