Mark Bosnich to Trial with Australian Club

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has been given a trial by the Central Coast Mariners.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has been given a two-week trial by Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners, the club said on Wednesday.

Bosnich, 36, also played for Aston Villa and Chelsea during a career in the English Premiership that ended in 2002 due to cocaine addiction.

"Mark has not signed a contract with the Mariners, but has been invited to train with us to further his aspirations to return to top-flight football, if not with the Mariners, then with another club in Australia or abroad," chief executive Lyall Gorman said on the league website (www.a-league.com.au).

"By virtue of Mark's vast and impressive professional experience, his very presence at training will be an inspiration for our younger players ahead of the regular season."

Central Coast's first-choice goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic, is banned until October for striking a referee in last season's grand final.

The Central Coast are based at Gosford, an hour north of Sydney.