MELBOURNE Victory has extended Steven Pace's contract to enable him to play in the Asian Champions League.
Pace was plucked out of the Victorian Premier League as a stop-gap replacement for Daniel Piorkowski and performed well in three games in November.
But his future at the club was in doubt when he was sidelined with a calf injury and with the imminent return of Piorkowski from a shoulder reconstruction.
Pace was recalled to the squad at the weekend, coming on as a second half substitute for Adrian Caceres in the 2-1 win against Queensland Roar, and Victory football manager Gary Cole announced his contract extension yesterday.
"Daniel Piorkowski is progressing really well although the expectations are that he will not play in the remaining two matches of the A-League season," Cole said.
"Our expectations are that he will . . . be available for the Asian Champions League.
"Steven Pace was a replacement player to cover for Daniel's injury but we will be adding him to the squad for Asia."
Pace, 24, is a central defender who has played for Preston, Essendon Royals and South Melbourne in the VPL.
Victory is under severe limitations to strengthen its squad for Asia.
It can only sign Australian players and must name its squad by February 11, virtually ruling out any signings from players still involved in the A-League finals.
It also has to drop one of its visa players. The Asian Champions League allows only three imports and Victory has Grant Brebner, Carlos Hernandes, Leandro Love and Joe Keenan on its books.
Victory continues to be linked with Newcastle Jets defensive midfielder Stuart Musialik, even if he ends up missing the Asian campaign.
Jets owner Con Constantine was upset by Musialik's rejection of a three-year contract offer worth $130,000 a season and tore up the offer, but Jets coach Gary Van Egmond has been trying to re-ignite talks.
Musialik, 22, was hampered by stomach problems after an appendix operation last October, but has regained his spot in the Jets side. He is a favourite of Olyroo coach Graham Arnold and is certain to play for Australia at Beijing.
Re Pace: This is probably proof there'll be no more Ljubo 'Cunt' Milicevic. Won't play again for the Victory. If only we knew what really happened.
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