Sivasspor’s Petkovic linked with Melbourne Heart

Australian international Michael Petkovic is being linked with incoming A-League club Melbourne Heart.

The Sivasspor goalkeeper has hinted his is keen to return to Australia following next year’s World Cup and a move to the Heart for the 2010/11 season looks a realistic possibility.

“It's something that I've always wanted to do,'' said 33-year-old Petkovic, who comes off contract at Sivasspor after this European season.

“I started my career in Australia in the national league back then, so with the new league that's been formed there, I'd like to go back and play as long as I can before I finish my career.

“We'll see, we've still got time, we'll see what happens after this season.”

It would be a major coup for the Heart as Petkovic is the number-two Australian goalkeeper who will almost certainly serve as understudy to Mark Schwarzer in South Africa next year.

Petkovic said that although he is a native of Perth, that his previous experiences playing in Melbourne were good ones and he would like to return there to continue his career.

“I played most of my career in Melbourne and overseas so going home and playing in Perth would be something nice and something that I would love to do,” he added.

“But, there's only 10 teams there so I don't think you can pick and choose where you want to go.

“I had some great success in Melbourne and have a lot of friends and family there as well. I want to play in the A-League and wherever it is, I'd love to take the opportunity.

“To play and with a Melbourne team, it'd be a great opportunity.”