Terry Antonis reveals Tony Popovic was the catalyst for his move to Western Sydney

TERRY Antonis has revealed that the chance to renew his working relationship with Tony Popovic convinced him to sign on loan at the Wanderers.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — NOVEMBER 02: Terry Antonis of Sydney FC reacts after a missed shot on goal during the round four A-League match between Sydney FC and the Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Midfielder Terry Antonis has revealed that the chance to renew his working relationship with Tony Popovic convinced him to sign on loan at Western Sydney until the end of the season.

Though he admitted he had little idea when he will be ready to play, after a frustrating and largely game-free period at Greek side PAOK since leaving Sydney FC last year, Antonis maintained that he could reap the benefits of even a short-term stint at Western Sydney — especially back in the region where he grew up.

Antonis’s arrival at Sydney FC as a teenager in 2010 gave him the chance to work under Popovic, then the club’s assistant coach, until Crystal Palace lured the latter to England as assistant coach at his old club.

Antonis previously worked with Popovic at Sydney FC.

Now, after an injury-hit spell of just five appearances since joining PAOK 18 months ago, the 23-year-old hopes the loan move can reignite his career in familiar surroundings.

“I’ve worked with him before, even if not as a head coach, and I learnt a lot from him,” Antonis said. “The next five months will be great for me, even in that time I know I’ll learn a lot more.

“I also learned a lot over there (in Greece), especially playing at a big club like PAOK, and I played a few matches.

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“But when the opportunity came up to play for a coach like Popa for five months, I wanted to come back. I want to help the boys as much as I can, whatever I can give to the team.

“Wherever Popa wants me to play, you’ve got to listen.

“It’s good to be back in Australia, and especially playing for the Wanderers.

It’s a good opportunity for me — I was born out west. I’m a Bankstown boy, and I came through the juniors at Marconi. So pretty much my whole life, I’ve been playing out west.

“Now I’ve got to build myself up and see when the coaching staff think I’m ready, then we’ll go from there.”