A-LEAGUE clubs might be circling Michael Thwaite but the Melbourne Victory defender has pledged his focus will not be swayed from helping his club win this season's premiership.
Since moving to the Victory on loan from Norwegian club SK Brann in June, Thwaite has established himself as one of the A-League’s most reliable defenders.
His form has not gone unnoticed. The competition’s two newest franchises are among his biggest fans.
Townsville-based Northern Fury has expressed an interest in securing the services of the Far Northern native for its debut season, while Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg has stated he would actively pursue Thwaite’s signature.
While it is better to be an object of desire than repulsion, Thwaite is not making any rushed decisions about his long-term future.
"To be fair, my thoughts are purely on the current season with Melbourne Victory and I think that’s why as a team we will be very successful," he said.
"I really don’t agree with the players that have come out and announced themselves as signings for their new clubs next season, especially when they are still contracted and are still in season.
"My club in Norway will basically decide where my future is because I am still contracted there until June 2010.
"At the moment, I am very settled within my personal life and thoroughly enjoy playing regular football in Australia.
"My wife, Chantelle is now 15 weeks pregnant, which is massive news for both us and our families."
While his club football and off-field life could not be going better, one problem Thwaite wants to address is his absence from the international arena.
Thwaite has represented Australia six times, but his last cap was in June 2007.
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek contacted Thwaite earlier this year and congratulated him on his move to the Victory but has not
included the 25-year-old in any of his squads
for the recent World Cup
qualifiers.
Thwaite, however, is not disheartened.
"He (Verbeek) likes people to be disappointed if they are not selected and for you to show him that you are better than the guy in your position," he said.
"The Socceroos are doing very well and it will be very competitive to gain a defensive spot at this time."
