EXCLUSIVE: Lawrie McKinna believes David Carney could play up to 11 games for the Mariners if he can sign the out-of-favour Sheffield United winger on loan as a marquee this month.
McKinna contacted Sheffield United yesterday about offering the Socceroo a loan spell at Bluetongue stadium.
That spell could significantly boost the Mariners' A-League chances if the former Sydney FC star arrived on a marquee deal at the end of January.
This would mean the Sheffield United Aussie could play in the A-League finals in February – if the Mariners, as expected, qualify – as well as the Asian Champions League starting in March.
The attacking wingback potentially gets 11 quality games under his belt before the next transfer window opens in Europe.
The Mariners supremo told au.fourfourtwo.com the Carney option would benefit both club and player.
"If he wants a move and doesn't get anything in Europe, he's better off coming back on loan and playing games rather than reserve football.
"Nothing's official. I've emailed Sheffield United yesterday about it and have not heard back."
He added: "It gives him a chance to put himself back in the shop window ahead of the June transfer window.
"We don't have the full squad right now, we've got about 18 players so it'd help us.
"We should know in about ten days."
One player who will be on trial at Bluetongue soon is Sydney FC youth team midfielder Chris Triantis.
The talented former NSW Premier League will finish his commitments with Sydney FC before trialling with the Gosford-based franchise.
Triantis has not made the Sydney FC first team largely due to starting XI regulars Terry McFlynn and Stuart Musialik being very similar in style and position to the former Sydney Olympic player.
But like Kofi Danning, Rhyan Grant and Zach Cairncross, the 21-year-old has impressed with Steve O'Connor's youth team.
"We'll give Triantis a chance to see what he can do but I wouldn't imagine he'd be a replacement for Mile Jedinak just yet," said McKinna.
McKinna plucked Jedinak from the NSW Premier League in 2006 before the midfielder became a star and was sold to Turkish club Genclerbirligi two weeks ago.
In other A-League news, gun Melbourne youngster Cameron Watson will trial with Gold Coast United when they begin pre-season in April.
That spell could significantly boost the Mariners' A-League chances if the former Sydney FC star arrived on a marquee deal at the end of January.
This would mean the Sheffield United Aussie could play in the A-League finals in February – if the Mariners, as expected, qualify – as well as the Asian Champions League starting in March.
The attacking wingback potentially gets 11 quality games under his belt before the next transfer window opens in Europe.
The Mariners supremo told au.fourfourtwo.com the Carney option would benefit both club and player.
"If he wants a move and doesn't get anything in Europe, he's better off coming back on loan and playing games rather than reserve football.
"Nothing's official. I've emailed Sheffield United yesterday about it and have not heard back."
He added: "It gives him a chance to put himself back in the shop window ahead of the June transfer window.
"We don't have the full squad right now, we've got about 18 players so it'd help us.
"We should know in about ten days."
One player who will be on trial at Bluetongue soon is Sydney FC youth team midfielder Chris Triantis.
The talented former NSW Premier League will finish his commitments with Sydney FC before trialling with the Gosford-based franchise.
Triantis has not made the Sydney FC first team largely due to starting XI regulars Terry McFlynn and Stuart Musialik being very similar in style and position to the former Sydney Olympic player.
But like Kofi Danning, Rhyan Grant and Zach Cairncross, the 21-year-old has impressed with Steve O'Connor's youth team.
"We'll give Triantis a chance to see what he can do but I wouldn't imagine he'd be a replacement for Mile Jedinak just yet," said McKinna.
McKinna plucked Jedinak from the NSW Premier League in 2006 before the midfielder became a star and was sold to Turkish club Genclerbirligi two weeks ago.
In other A-League news, gun Melbourne youngster Cameron Watson will trial with Gold Coast United when they begin pre-season in April.
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