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Adrian Leijer
looking for regular football |
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Adrian Leijer may be loaned out by English Premier League club Fulham for the
remainder of the season.
Fulham is considering releasing Leijer to League One club Leeds United, or he could
even be headed to a London-based Championship club in an attempt to gain regular
match time.
The 21-year-old is desperate to play regular soccer to ensure his selection in the
Olyroos' team for this year's Beijing Games.
However, his hopes of a move have been put on hold for at least a week with new
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson insisting that he wants to have a closer look at last
year's A-League Young Player of the Year before letting him go anywhere.
Leijer's manager Tom Brookes told the Geelong Advertiser yesterday that
Hodgson had already been impressed with what he had seen of Leijer.
``The only question over the immediate term is whether Adrian would benefit more
from playing competitive football every week in the Championship and if this would
be more advantageous for his development than being on the fringe in the Premiership
set up,'' Brookes said.
``Adrian is very happy at Fulham and is excited at the prospect of working with
such a highly experienced and regarded coach as Roy Hodgson.
``He is settled in south west London with his girlfriend and very much feels part
of the club. Roy and the backroom staff at Fulham hold Adrian in high regard and
see him as an integral part of their plans.''
Leijer moved from Melbourne Victory to Fulham after signing a three-year deal last
August.
But, he is yet to get a taste of Premier League action in a side that is in danger
of being relegated next season.
Leijer has sat on the bench as an unused sub in several games, despite impressing
as captain of the reserves team.
Leijer said he knows that he needs to be playing regularly to press his claims for
selection in the Olyroos' team.
``That hasn't happened yet at Fulham,'' Leijer said.
``It's not a matter of me wanting to leave Fulham. I have a three-year contract
and I want to be a success there.
`But, with the Olympics coming up I want to give myself every chance of being selected.
We've got an excellent squad and I believe we are genuine contenders.
``I really want to be a part of it and
going out on loan could help me achieve that.''
Brookes was adamant that Leijer had made the right move in signing with Fulham,
despite criticism that it was not the best move for his career.
``They don't often appreciate that despite not playing immediately after they arrive,
players benefit enormously from training
each day at a much higher intensity with
quality players at the best facilities and it can sometimes take a few months to
adapt and settle into their new club and home,'' Leijer's manager said.
``Adrian is loving the increase in tempo from the A-League and is learning all the
time.
But he is hungry, driven, incredibly dedicated and obviously wants to be playing
competitively as soon as possible.
``The most important consideration is what is best for Adrian's development and
after a few short months at the club, Adrian already feels that he is benefiting
from his move. The next stage in his development will be competitive game time.''
Brookes said Hodgson realises just how important representing Australia at the Olympics
is to Leijer.
``Adrian certainly has the coach's blessing to participate in the Olympics later
this year,'' he said.
``As a former national coach (of Switzerland), he believes the Olympics will be
a great experience for him.''