Franjic in line to return as Roar revamp begins

IVAN Franjic’s versatility is set to prove invaluable to Brisbane for the rest of the A-League season as well as his hopes of securing a new Roar contract.

Franjic, who returned to the club in November after an absence of more than three years, is one of 16 Roar players whose contract expires at the end of the season.

After a slow start to his Bris- bane comeback due to injury, the 30-year-old former Socceroo has appeared in six of the Roar’s past seven matches and started in three games straight.

Franjic’s ability to play several positions has proved vital for the Roar this season.

He has played in attack and defence since his return, and is currently being used at left back, despite having made his name – and won three championships with the Roar – as a right back. Provided he can maintain his fitness, there’s little doubt he will be one of the first re-signing targets of Roar coach John Aloisi, and the club’s new football director Pedj Radinovic as they set about revamping Brisbane’s squad.

Poached from Football Federation Australia, Radinovic started working with the Roar this week.

“I’m just playing week in, week out and obviously we’ll have that chat and see what happens,” Franjic said.

Franjic’s ability to play left back will be vital, with the Roar certain to lose Corey Brown to Melbourne Victory next season.

The Roar have also ensured further depth at left back by already re-signing young gun Connor O’Toole.

Apart from the retention of Franjic, the Roar’s other priority among their host of offcontract players is goalkeeper Jamie Young. Well established as the club’s first-choice gloveman following the injury demise of Michael Theo, who won’t be at the Roar next season, Young is a wanted man by Brisbane.

The futures of off-contract marquee pair Massimo Maccarone and Brett Holman are uncertain, with French winger Eric Bautheac’s contract to be upgraded to marquee status next season.