Where next for Dane Milanovic?

Dane Milanovic is about to graduate from the Australian Institute of Sport.

He is waiting to see if he is selected in the Young Socceroos (Under 20's) squad to play in next month's qualifying group in Vietnam for next year's Asia Cup.

And then what?


The former Tuggeranong United junior has a few options.

He could be invited back to the AIS for a further year or he could be released.

Or he could be snapped up by an A-League club. But there are only eight so places are limited.

Out of Dane's class of 25, Sebastian Ryall has already left to play for Melbourne Victory. James Holland has had a short scoring spell with Newcastle and Matthew Mullen had a time with Adelaide United to mention just three.

Dane has another option of course. The big plane can whisk him away to foreign shores. Asia, unlikely. Europe most probable.

Sounds great, but is fraught with uncertainty. Ask Shaun Ontong! Trials, injuries, reserve team football aren't as exciting as making your debut in the Premiership or even the A-League.

What would you do?

Me? Dunno it's a tough one, and you'd need some good advice. Nathan Burns, Brett Emerton are two who stayed in Australia for sometime after the AIS. Adrian Leijer another, but now he's gone to Fulham. Will he do an Ahmed Elrich and never play in England, or rarely?

Talking to Carl Valeri and Joe Simunic you can hear the emotion in their journeys. Their difficulties at being so far from home, so young.

I'm an Aussie I'd like Dane to stay.

But which ever way he goes like any young person starting out in any career, it will be the job offer(s) and his own career ambitions which will ultimately decide his first step.

I hope he gets to choose. Good luck Dane. you are living in exciting if uncertain times