Dario Returns With The Winner

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Forgotten Australian Dario Vidosic sent a clear message to FC Nürnberg after scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over SC Freiburg in 2.Bundesliga.

Vidosic struck barely a minute after coming on as a late substitute to further enhance sixth-placed Nürnberg's hopes of an immediate return to the Bundesliga after being relegated last season.

The goal was Vidosic's first for the club and perhaps the most important of his career considering he had not played for Nürnberg since November and had actually tried to leave Germany in January after trialling with Danish Superliga club Esbjerg fB.

The strike couldn't have come at a better time for Vidosic, who only got a chance in the first-team on Monday due to the absence midfielders Marcel Risse, Mike Frantz and Peer Kluge.

The match had seemed destined for a 0-0 draw but Vidosic's intervention sends a message of intent to Nürnberg boss Michael Oenning that the former Queensland Roar man has something to offer the club.

The 21-year-old Australian netted the winner on 83 minutes after receiving Christian Eigler's central pass before getting the better of two defenders and firing a low right-footed shot from just outside the box past Freiburg keeper Simon Pouplin.

Vidosic's strike would prove decisive as Nürnberg held off league leading Freiburg's late attempts at an equaliser to take the Bavarians to 40 points just four from the promotion spots.

Matt Spiranovic, Vidosic's Australian compatriot at Nürnberg, missed the game as he is still unavailable due to a long-term ankle injury.

Aussie Coe's Swedish Loan

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FC København's Australian goalkeeper Nathan Coe has gone out on loan to Swedish Allsvenskan club Örgryte IS in a bid to win some much-needed playing time.

Coe has struggled for first-team opportunities at København and was down the pecking order at the club this season behind Danish international Jesper Christiansen and newly-arrived Swedish goalkeeper Johan Wiland.

But the 24-year-old former Brisbane Strikers shot-stopper has won a deal to play for Gothenburg-based Örgryte until June 30.

And first-team opportunities should be forthcoming at Örgryte, who have just been promoted to the Allsvenskan after being champions of the second tier Superettan, as they require a goalkeeper with regular number one Peter Abrahamsson injured until at least the end of April.

The Swedish Allsvenskan is set to get underway at the start of April giving the Australian goalkeeper, who hasn't been involved with the Socceroos since a friendly against Nigeria in late 2007, the chance to get some much-needed football under his belt.

Coe, who has only managed 3 appearances with København this season, told the club's website, "I am extremely pleased with København because I am in need of playing time at the moment. So I am very grateful the club have come to an agreement with Örgryte."

Speaking about the deal, FC Kobenhavn Sports Director Carsten V. Jensen said, "It is an excellent solution for all parties, so I am very pleased that we have agreed with Örgryte to take Nathan for the season. We wish him every success."

Coe, who was formerly with PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan, added, "Their goalkeeper is injured and it may well be that I get playing time, which I need.

"I have only heard good things about the club from Ailton and Markus Allbäck and I am pleased to start at Örgryte and wish all my friends at FC København every success with the rest of season....and they better bring home the gold."

Covic's Swedish Club Confirmed

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Swedish club IF Elfsborg have officially confirmed they will sign Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Ante Covic ahead of the 2009 Allsvenskan season.

Earlier in the week au.fourfourtwo.com exclusively revealed Elfsborg were in the process of snaring the 33-year-old Australian shot-stopper.

Now, Elfsborg, who were runners-up in the Allsvenskan last season, have confirmed they were on the verge of completing a deal for Covic.

The Boras-based club revealed Covic will undergo a medical examination this weekend before being available for his club debut the following week.

Elfsborg trainer Magnus Haglund said about Covic, "He is a balanced and stable goalkeeper who radiates calm.

"He has a habit of dominating airspace and has great experience with over 100 Allsvenskan matches. He has played in the Australian national team and has played in Asian Champions League."

The Australian shot-stopper's services were sought by Elfsborg after last season's number one Johan Wiland departed to Danish giants FC København during the recent transfer window.

The move ends Covic's time with the Newcastle Jets and sees him return to Sweden, where he had played with Allsvenskan club Hammarby prior to his move to the Hunter Valley.

Kisnorbo Looks To The Future

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Socceroo Patrick Kisnorbo is looking ahead to the future after making his Leicester City comeback on the weekend following an injury ravaged last 12 months.

Kisnorbo has endured a luckless run in the last year after he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his left knee last April before damaging his right posterior cruciate ligament just a few games into his comeback in November.

But after four months on the sidelines, the 27-year-old Australian defender successfully returned to action as an 82nd minute substitute in the Foxes' 1-0 victory at Millwall in League One on Saturday.

"It felt good to finally get back on the pitch on Saturday. I have been back in training for a while now and I was just desperate to get back involved," Kisnorbo told Leicester TV.

And Kisnorbo, who hasn't played for the Socceroos since the 2007 Asian Cup, isn't interested in looking back at his bad run of luck and instead wants to focus on the future as his club strives for promotion to the Championship.

"We simply concentrate on what is put in front of us - that's all you can do at this stage of the season," Kisnorbo added.

"We are totally focussed on the job in hand. We face Colchester United on Saturday and that is all that will be on my mind between now and then."

The former Hearts man did also want to thank the fans for their support as he recovered from his injury nightmare.

"On a personal level, I have had so many people wishing me well throughout the whole time I was out," he said.

"Sometimes you think you might be forgotten when you have a spell on the sidelines, but everyone has been fantastic."

McBreen On Road To Wembley

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North Queensland Fury signing Daniel McBreen is on the verge of a dream finale to his English career as he nears an FA Trophy final appearance at Wembley.

McBreen, 31, will join the new A-League franchise when his contract with current club York City expires in June to play a part in the Townsville club's inaugural season in the Australian league in 2009-2010.

But before the former St Johnstone and Falkirk forward returns Down Under, he could be set for an unbelievable appearance at the new Wembley Stadium.

McBreen's club York City have gone on a superb run in the FA Trophy, which is the equivalent of the FA Cup for non-league teams.

The Minsterman won 2-0 at AFC Telford in the first-leg of their semi-final tie to have one foot on the Wembley turf ahead of the return leg in York next Saturday.

The Yorkies had previously won through four rounds of the knockout competition including a dramatic third-round victory over Kidderminster which they won 13-12 on penalties after the two sides were locked 2-2 on aggregate after a replay.

McBreen, who played a full game at Telford, has helped York on their way to the semi-final having scored three goals in the club's great cup run.

And now following their outstanding victory at Telford, York will be confident of reaching Wembley and facing either Ebbsfleet United or Stevenage Borough to give Aussie McBreen the perfect send-off.

Axe Falls On Olyroo Fedders

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Olyroo goalkeeper Adam Federici has found himself dumped from the Reading starting XI despite Royals' manager Steve Coppell admitting the Aussie youngster has done nothing wrong between the sticks.

Reading boss Steve Coppell dropped Adam Federici to the bench today preferring the experienced Marcus Hahnemann but it didn't help as they lost 1-0 to Ipswich in the Championship.

The Socceroos shot-stopper had played Reading's last 15 games and impressed with several outstanding performances.

Nevertheless, following Reading's recent form slump which has seen their promotion hopes waver, Coppell opted to reinstate the 36-year-old American ahead of the Australian.

Speaking after the disappointing 1-0 home loss, Coppell explained his decision; "I felt terrible telling Fedders that he wasn't playing because he'd done nothing wrong.

"He's played well for us, but I just thought that Marcus's extra experience would help us at this stage of the season."

Following today's loss, courtesy of an early second-half Jon Stead strike for the Tractor Boys, Reading are seven points behind second-placed Birmingham City in the race for automatic promotion while the chasing pack edge closer with fourth-placed Sheffield United just a point behind the Royals.

Kisnorbo Back After Injury

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Unlucky Australian defender Patrick Kisnorbo has returned to action with Leicester City in League One after a four-month layoff with a knee injury.

The one-time Socceroos regular, who has had an injury plagued last 12 months, made a cameo appearance as an 82nd minute substitute in the Foxes' 1-0 victory at Millwall today.

Kisnorbo got through the last ten minutes or so of the match unscathed and will breathe a sigh of relief after sustaining an injury upon his return from his last setback in November.

The 27-year-old defender had only made a handful of appearances for the Foxes in November after recovering from a six-month absence due to knee ligament damage, when he injured his other knee against Stevenage Borough in the FA Cup.

Kisnorbo, who hasn't played for the Socceroos since the 2007 Asian Cup, has every reason to work hard to get back to full fitness with his club likely to secure automatic promotion to the Championship and with his national teamedging closer to qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

In the short-term, Kisnorbo will have a full week to recover before he hopefully continues his comeback next Saturday when the league leading Foxes host Chris Coyne's Colchester United.

Cahill Injury A Minor Concern

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Tim Cahill has endured another injury scare during Everton's 3-1 win over Stoke City but boss David Moyes insists it is not cause for alarm - a huge relief for Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek as the Uzbekistan clash looms large.

Cahill had impressed as Everton went two up in the first stanza but the Socceroo failed to emerge after the break.

With Australia set to face Uzbekistan in another important World Cup qualifier in under three weeks time, Pim Verbeek and Socceroos fans would have been concerned by Cahill's early departure.

Moyes told Evertontv: "Tim had a slight calf strain, he was feeling it a little bit so we thought it wise to bring him off.

"We missed him because his presence in both penalty boxes is a big part of his game and we could have done with him."

Prior to being replaced, Cahill had seen his Brazilian teammate Jo put Everton ahead after 18 minutes.

Then just over five minutes later the Australian's header was saved by Stoke's Thomas Sorensen but only into the path of Joleon Lescott who side-footed the rebound in to double the hosts advantage.

Ryan Shawcross dragged a goal back for Stoke early in the second stanza but Marouane Fellaini sealed the points for the Toffees in the 90th minute as they solidify their grip on sixth place in the Premier League.

Olyroo's Season Could Be Over

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Olyroos defender Trent McClenahan could be ruled out for the remainder of the season after reports suggested the Hamilton Academical man needs to undergo hernia surgery.

The former West Ham United man has been a regular in defence for the Accies this season but has missed the club's last two fixtures with a groin problem.

McClenahan visited a specialist on Wednesday to ascertain the extent of the injury and it is believed the 24-year-old requires surgery on the problem.

Hamilton manager Billy Reid was asked about the severity of McClenahan's injury along with fellow Accies defender David Elebert this week, and the Accies gaffer told the media, "Whether they see another game this season remains to be seen."

It is another blow for Reid, who has an increasing injury list at New Douglas Park with up to eight players believed to be unavailable this weekend.

Hamilton, who have done brilliantly this season to be in eighth on the Scottish Premier League table and eight points clear of last placed Falkirk, face Aberdeen at Pittodrie this weekend.

Boss Hails Killa's Killer Instinct

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Neil Kilkenny's Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has praised the Beijing Olyroo for his attitude in winning back his spot in the Whites side in style.

The 23-year-old Australian was out of favour at Leeds for almost two months after Grayson took over at Elland Road just prior to Christmas, but Kilkenny has fought back to play in the Whites' last five fixtures.

And on Tuesday, Kilkenny stylishly capped his return to form in the side, when he scored a 30-yard cracker and set up another with a deft through-ball for Jermaine Beckford in Leeds' 4-0 triumph over Yeovil Town.

Grayson told the Yorkshire Evening Post, "He's been very good since he got back into the team and he's topped it by setting one up and scoring a goal against Yeovil, which has done him the world of good."

Kilkenny's wonder strike will be a welcome confidence boost for the youngster, but Grayson added he believes the Beijing Olyroo already has his head well screwed on as he possesses a great mentality and attitude having been overlooked for so long earlier this year.

"To be fair to him, when he's been out of the team he's worked ever so hard in training and I've told him that," Grayson said.

"He must have knocked on my door about half a dozen times within the first couple of weeks I was here, telling me he was one of the better midfield players here and that he should be in the team. I liked his attitude.

"He showed a lot of confidence and belief in his ability and I kept telling him to keep working hard in training and when you get an opportunity, which you will do, then grasp it and he's done that."

Leeds have stormed into the League One playoff spots and up to fifth, having collected 11 out of 15 points since Kilkenny returned to the side in late February and this weekend the Whites have a very winnable game against struggling Swindon Town.

And Grayson admitted considering Leeds' good form coinciding with Kilkenny's return to the team, the Australian is likely to retain his place in the first-team.

"He's got the shirt and, like a lot of the other players, when the team's winning he'll keep it," Grayson concluded.

Leeds will be in action on Saturday in League One this weekend, hosting Swindon Town at Elland Road.

Brad Blunder Costs Boro Cup

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Aussie Brad Jones's second-half goalkeeping error cost his side as Everton came from behind to defeat Middlesbrough 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper was caught in no-man's-land when Marouane Fellaini looped a header over the Australian and into the unguarded net after Boro had led at half-time.

Earlier Jones had played his part for Middlesbrough after denying a good Fellaini effort at his near post with a smart save in the 41st minute. Then only a few minutes later, Boro's David Wheater headed the visitors into the lead at the other end.

But Jones's afternoon turned sour in the second-half, after fellow Australian Tim Cahill, who had dropped into midfield after the break following the introduction of Louis Saha, whipped in a dangerous right-wing cross for Fellaini.

Jones came to collect the cross but found himself caught out of position as Fellaini rose to head the equaliser home for the Toffees.

Moments later, it was clear Jones's confidence had taken a hit after his poor punch from a Leighton Baines free-kick allowed Louis Saha a chance, but the Frenchman couldn't convert the opportunity.

It was the Boro goalkeeper though who couldn't do much on 56 minutes when Steven Pienaar's cross found an unmarked Saha who headed past Jones from close-range as Everton completed an incredible turnaround.

The Toffees almost sealed the result in the 65th minute when Baines' free-kick hit the crossbar with Jones rooted to the spot.

Late in the contest, Jones's disappointing afternoon almost got worse when he slipped as he went to collect a loose ball and allowed Everton a goalscoring chance but somehow Boro scrambled the danger away.

And despite the Australian goalkeeper heading up to the Everton goal for an injury-time Boro corner, it was all too late and the damage was already done as Cahill's Toffees reach their first FA Cup semi-final under David Moyes.

Kilkenny Back In Leeds Action

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Beijing Olyroo Neil Kilkenny won his third start in a row for Leeds United after almost two months out of favour as the Whites drew 2-2 with Bristol Rovers in League One.

Kilkenny is enjoying a good run in the Leeds side after he had slipped out of the reckoning since the arrival of new boss Simon Grayson.

And the 23-year-old Australian did his hopes of solidifying his place in the Leeds side no harm after a good performance in the draw.

Kilkenny's Leeds are currently hit hard by injuries, which has prompted his return to the side, but the midfielder seems to be keen to prove a point to the new gaffer.

Speaking after the game to BBC Sport, Grayson praised Kilkenny alongside fellow Leeds midfielder Jonny Howson in the middle of the park saying: "When we got a chance to play in the second-half he (Howson) and Neil played very well."

Leeds had fought back after going behind early to lead 2-1 late in the contest only to concede a disappointing injury-time equaliser thanks to Bristol Rovers' Joe Kuffour.

Kilkenny had actually been substituted a few minutes prior to the late goal, after appearing to limp off.

After the game, Grayson explained the Australian's injury: "He just went over on his ankle, so I think it's too early, but I think he just rolled it, so hopefully he'll be alright for Tuesday night because obviously we've got a few players still out injured."

Kilkenny had already been in the wars on Saturday after having his head bandaged and receiving a few stitches after a first-half incident.

Nevertheless the Leeds gaffer seems optimistic Kilkenny will be back in time for Tuesday's League One match at home against Yeovil Town as seventh-placed Leeds look to push for a playoffs spot.

Mile Shines In Rams Start

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Socceroo Mile Sterjovski won his first start under Derby boss Nigel Clough and celebrated with an assist in the Rams' 2-1 triumph over Bristol City in the Championship.

The 29-year-old Australian international, who has been used on numerous occasions as a substitute since Clough took over at Pride Park in January, finally won his first run in starting XI for the Rams under the new gaffer after injuries to Derby midfield pair Paul Green and Steve Davies.

And Sterjovski's enthusiasm was obvious early on when he swooped on a loose ball in the middle of the park before working himself into a dangerous spot on the right side of the penalty box.

The former FC Basel man then whipped a low ball across goal which found teammate Chris Porter, who calmly converted the chance after a mere 52 seconds of the contest.

It was the ideal start for Sterjovski and the Rams, but Bristol, who've been in good form lately to storm into the Championship playoffs reckoning, fought back and could easily have drawn level before the break with several good opportunities going to waste.

Despite all of Bristol's pressure, the Rams could have gone two up on the hour, when Sterjovski released Rob Hulse with a clever through-ball but the Derby hitman was denied by a good save from Bristol goalkeeper Adriano Basso.

Bristol though would make the breakthrough late in the contest thanks to Gavin Williams only for Hulse to strike back only two minutes later to claim the points for the Rams and effectively ward off their threat of relegation.

Sterjovski ended up taking an early rest after being substituted on 87 minutes, after the drama of the late two goals, but it was a good night for the Aussie.

Speaking after the match, Nigel Clough told BBC Sport about Derby's opener, "I think everyone, including us, where shouting at Mile to shoot when he got the ball on the edge of the box but once he didn't do that, he didn't get it under control straight away, he did just the right thing. Took his time and put a lovely ball in and that's where we want Chris Porter in the six-yard box."

Federici: We Can Get Out Of This

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Adam Federici believes Reading can turn around their recent run of poor Championship results and revive their stuttering Premier League promotion hopes.

Federici's Reading having somehow managed to remain third in the Championship despite having claimed just five points from their last seven league outings.

Despite Federici's best efforts between the sticks, the Royals' problems lie at the other end of the pitch where they have managed to score just one goal since January 9.

The latest disappointing result was a 1-0 home loss to struggling Nottingham Forest on Saturday but Federici believes the Royals can turn the tide with a busy schedule on the horizon.

"It's disappointing but we've put 110% in and you can't ask for more in terms of work rate from the boys," he told the club's website.

"Now we can make amends in the games coming up, I think we're better when the games are close together and it's not a week between every match we play.

"We wanted to start this run of games with a win but we've got fixtures to catch up on it now."

Reading now face an important run of six games in 19 days beginning on Tuesday when they travel to Sheffield Wednesday.

Federici believes the Hillsborough visit could just be the beginning of a turn in fortunes.

"Things are not falling for us on the pitch and there might be less pressure away from home," he said. "Other teams' results have gone our way, in hindsight you can say a win would put us in a great position.

"But as the gaffer has said a few times, we wouldn't change position with anyone or change players - and I really think it's down to luck at the moment."