Glory star Chris Coyne is keeping his World Cup dream alive by making an impressive start to the Chinese Super League season.
Glory star Chris Coyne is keeping his World Cup dream alive by making an impressive start to the Chinese Super League season.
On loan to newly promoted club Liaoning Hongyun, Coyne has featured in every game so far and is doing exactly what Socceroo coach Pim Verbeek wants. Playing competitive matches every week heading into South Africa.
After four games Liaoning have won two, drawn two and sit in fifth spot on the table.
“I played at right back for the first game which good fun and a nice change as I hadn’t played there for a while.
“Unfortunately I was dosed up with the flu for the second week so I started on the bench but came on after 45 minutes at centre back.
“We beat Shaanxi Chanba 2-1 which was a great result because they are tipped to win the league,” Coyne said.
Those two results were followed by a 2-nil win against Henan Jianye and a 3-all draw against Qingdao Jonoon.
“The match against Henan was massive, with a big and highly excited crowd. I was actually hit by a lighter or coin!”
Coyne admits the language barrier is difficult but the players and the people are fantastic which have helped make it a home away from home.
While Coyne has experienced freezing conditions with the weather dropping to minus ten, the arrival of his family for a holiday has been a big plus.
“The vibe is good and the Chinese are fascinated with three blonde haired, blue eyed kids.”
And despite being more than 8000 kilometres away from home, Coyne is still keeping a close eye on Perth Glory-s off-season and is impressed by the new additions.
“Its great news Fergie (Ian Ferguson) is on board for next season”
Liaoning-s next match is away to fourth placed Shandong Luneng on Thursday.
