Home  »  A-League

Brebner extends Victory stint

7 February 2007 | 19:32 - AAP

Melbourne Victory's newly re-signed Scottish midfielder Grant Brebner says playing in the A-League has been the experience of his professional career.

 

The 29-year-old's career has included stints with Manchester United, as well as numerous other English and Scottish clubs.

But he said there had been few sweeter moments than Sunday's major semi-final win over Adelaide, which lifted the Victory into the grand final.

"It's certainly up there with one of the biggest and it's certainly one of the best feelings I've had after the game, the result and the way it happened," Brebner said.

"I think it's up there with a Scottish Cup final or whatever, but I don't know what to expect of the grand final."

Brebner has played in two Scottish Cup finals, losing both times, and said he was grateful for the opportunity to play in February 18th's A-League decider with the Victory.

"Wherever you play in the world you want to finish your career with some silverware," he said.

"I've got a minor premiership and the double would be fantastic."

The Victory, which has the weekend off, will meet the winner of Sunday's preliminary final between Adelaide and Newcastle.

Brebner said the decision to sign on for another two years was an easy one and he had not considered other options.

"Footballing-wise I'm happier than I've ever been," he said.

"And coming to Australia and being welcomed... this club's only been up and running two years and it's brought three or four players from the other side of the world and made them fit in and gel and just love being here."

"It's a credit to the staff that work at the club."

Coach Ernie Merrick said the midfielder had been an integral part of Victory's success this season, with his combination with captain Kevin Muscat the team's "engine room".

He said he had been confident Brebner would stay with the club.

"Signings are going to happen, we've never had anyone yet want to leave this club and why would you, with the success, with the crowds, with the facilities," Merrick said.

"It's just I think been a great club to be a part of and I think the players are thinking that way."

Meanwhile, Muscat, star striker Danny Allsopp and defender Simon Storey all skipped training on Wednesday.

Merrick said they needed a rest after the tough win against Adelaide and the week's break before the grand final meant they could afford the time off.

"If we only had one week to prepare they'd be out here working hard on strategy," he said.

top