Covic Confident Of Signing New Deal To Stay With Newcastle

Newcastle Herald

Saturday January 17, 2009

By JAMES GARDINER

FRINGE Socceroos goalkeeper Ante Covic has confirmed his commitment to the Newcastle Jets and hopes to put pen to paper on a new deal in the next 10 days.

Covic had been holding out for a potential move to a cashed-up Asian club but reaffirmed his desire to stay at the Jets after a 90-minute meeting with owner Con Constantine yesterday.

In what could be a double coup, the Jets also revealed they had been in contact with Colombian striker Milton Rodriguez about a possible return to the club.

Rodriguez scored seven goals in 21 games and became a cult hero during the 2006-07 season.

"Milton is another one who we have spoken to our South American contact about," Jets coach Gary van Egmond said.

"He is having a great year and has scored 11 goals in 18 games for [Colombian club] Millonarios.

"We will see what happens with him."

Rodriguez, 32, and his young family were happy in Newcastle, but the Jets were unable to match an offer from Colombian club America de Cali.

While at that club he maintained his impressive strike rate by scoring six goals in just 11 matches.

After a less productive move to Deportivo Cali two goals in 15 games he has regained his touch at Millonarios.

The Jets have been in talks with Covic since October.

A member of the Soccerooos 2006 World Cup squad, Covic has mixed his form this season and lost his place in the national team to Adelaide's Eugene Galekovic.

He had been linked to several clubs in Japan but nothing materialised.

"It is not something that I am chasing or hoping for," Covic said of a move to Asia.

"If something late came I'd have a look, but I am not hunting it down or even discussing it."

Covic, 33, said the meeting with Constantine was positive.

"It was just a chat about how committed I was to the club," Covic said.

"It is a matter of my agent [Bernie Mandic] talking directly to them and getting a contract in order.

"I'm keen to stay. It is just a matter of working out the finer points.

"Within the next week to 10 days I'm sure something will come about.

"I'm not going to speculate on an outcome, but at this stage it is all positive."

© 2009 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home