McKay a wanted man

Rising Socceroo Matt McKay cannot guarantee he will remain at Brisbane beyond this season as he looks to cash in on his breakthrough Asian Cup campaign.

The attacking midfielder is suddenly a player in demand after emerging as a surprise star of Australia’s run to the Asian Cup final.

The 28-year-old kept Socceroos mainstay Brett Emerton out of the starting line-up for the decider, won 1-0 by Japan in extra-time, after winning over coach Holger Osieck with a man-of-the-match display in the 6-0 semi-final demolition of Uzbekistan.

McKay is sure to be on the radar of clubs both at home and abroad following his exploits in Qatar.

Brisbane Roar, the runaway A-League leaders, recently signed their captain to a long-term contract but coach Ange Postecoglou has all but conceded McKay will be poached in the near future.

McKay was tight-lipped about his future when he arrived in Brisbane on Tuesday morning but hinted his Roar days could be numbered if the right offer was tabled.

“(I’m) definitely (staying with Brisbane) this season. I’ve signed a new three-year deal and it’s a very good deal,” he said.

“The Roar are going places and I want to be a part of that, but if the offers were to come in then that is out of my hands.”

“The club will deal with it there and then. But I am really excited about the rest of the season.”

“I want to concentrate on this title (so) I can promise you I will be here for the rest of this season.”

Osieck regarded McKay as a handy back-up player before the Asian Cup but was forced to drastically change his thinking as the tournament progressed.

One of the few A-League players in the squad, the Roar skipper went from bench player to an integral member of the side in just four games.

“I said I didn’t want to go there to make up the numbers and I probably surpassed that,” McKay said.

“He (Osieck) said he wasn’t sure of me at first but told me that I’d proved myself and he was very happy with my performances.”

“Being in that team with the calibre of player was a great feeling and I learnt so much. It made me a better player.”

“I am very happy with the way I went – just disappointed with the final result – (and I think it) showed the A-League’s a good breeding ground for players.”

With McKay set to return, Brisbane can secure the minor premiership with victory over North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday night.

The Roar have gone 23 games without defeat, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in Australian football history.