Asian Cup 2015: Socceros star Ivan Franjic eyes A-League loan deal after tournament

RUSSIA-BASED Socceroo Ivan Franjic revealed that he is eager to return to the A-League on loan once his Asian Cup commitments are completed.

Socceroos training at Olympic Park, Ivan Franjic makes a sliding tackle on Matt McKay at training. Melbourne. 3rd January 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

RUSSIA-BASED Socceroo Ivan Franjic revealed that he is eager to return to the A-League on loan after the Asian Cup.

Franjic, who is vying with Aston Villa’s Chris Herd for the right-back spot, revealed that he was still haunted by the second half hamstring strain against Chile that ended his Brazil 2014 campaign.

Ivan Franjic is in a battle with Chris Herd for the right back role.

Brisbane Roar has struggled to replace the barnstorming right-back since he signed for Torpedo Moscow last August, but new salary cap rules regarding loan players could see him go elsewhere.

The Russian season restarts in March after a mid-season break but Franjic hinted at a loan deal until the end of the A-League season in May.

“I might go out on loan after the Asian Cup and the A-League would definitely be an option, a very big option,’’ Franjic said.

“Maybe come home for four months, re-energise, get my body right then next season when my body’s really good - here you’ve got great physios - then go back to Russia.

“I haven’t spoken to any clubs. My agent will speak to clubs and see who can fit me into the salary cap.

“They (Torpedo) rang me and want me back. I’ll speak to the coach.’’

A late arrival to professional football Franjic, 27, was hungry to make an impact at the Asian Cup.

It’s a close call between him and Herd for the right-back role, with both players failing to nail down regular minutes with their Euro clubs.

Franjic said the Chile disappointment still hurts.

“Mentally and physically it was disappointing to go the way it was because I was probably in the best condition of my life,’’ he said.

“After that assist for Timmy I got into the game and felt like it was only going to go up.

“But it’s only made me more hungrier and determined to do well at this Asian Cup.

“I’m not getting any younger and there’s not many tournaments left, this time I really do need to step up if I do get an opportunity.

“As a player you hope to start, but whatever my role is I’m ready.

“My body’s in good shape, I’ve done a good pre-season and I’m ready to go.

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceros star Ivan Franjic eyes A-League loan deal after tournament