Bosnich gets comeback thanks to high-fiving goalkeeper

• by Jul 31, 2008

[AUSTRALIA/VIDEO] Embattled Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is making a comeback with the Central Coast Mariners in his country's A-League. Bosnich previously kept goal for Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea in the English Premier League before substance abuse problems and declaring bankruptcy. Bosnich's opportunity with the Mariners opened up after keeper Danny Vukovic was suspended for violently high-fiving a referee.

For video of Vukovic's high-five, click HERE.

For video of Bosnich's comeback, click HERE.

Bosnich, who was dropped by Chelsea in 2001 after testing positive for cocaine, marked his return to the game after a seven-year absence in spectacular fashion, saving a penalty and keeping a shutout in the Mariners 3-0 preseason victory over Sydney FC.

Coach Lawrie McKinna hailed the 36-year-old's performance and may sign Bosnich to a contract in the coming days. The Mariners will need backup for the 23-year-old Vukovic, who was sent off in his side's A-League final loss to the Newcastle Jets in February of this year.
Vukovic was protesting a decision when he appeared to violently high-five the referee's hand. Vukovic was originally suspended for nine months but after two appeals, he will only miss games through September.

Bosnich downplayed his performance in the friendly:

"One swallow doesn't make a summer -- there's still a long way to go. If today went another way I'd still say the same thing."