Central Coast’s Hutchinson still not free to represent Malta

Central Coast Mariners midfielder John Hutchinson is still trying to sort out paperwork ahead of signing for the Maltese national team.

The Australian-born Hutchinson is eligible to represent Malta due to his grandmother hailing from the nation but has found it difficult to clear the documents he requires.

“We are just trying to get through all the paper work which has been a little bit tougher than what we first expected,” said Hutchinson.

“My wife is acting as my secretary and she has been doing all the work for me so hopefully she can get it all sorted with the Maltese government and the Maltese consulate in Australia so I’ll be free to play for them.”

Hutchinson said although he would love to play for Australia, he could not let this opportunity pass.

“Obviously my first preference would have been Australia but now the opportunity with Malta has come up I think it is the right time in my career,” he added.

“In international football I’ll be playing against some of the world’s best players and some of the greatest international teams.”