El**ch Loooves Bosnich!

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Ahmad El**ch (right) believes Mark Bosnich can complete a remarkable comeback (Getty Images)

Trump Central Coast signing Ahmad El**ch doesn�t just believe rebound keeper Mark Bosnich can win a contract with the Mariners: he�s convinced the eccentric shot-stopper can reignite his Socceroos career.

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Stunned by the 36-year-old�s redemptive performance in his first serious hitout in over six years, against Sydney FC on Sunday, El**ch believes anything is possible for the man who has stepped back into the light.

Bosnich, who now hopes to start again in the Pre-Season Cup game against Queensland Roar at Brisbane�s Perry Park this weekend, stepped into a time machine to recapture the agility that earned him contracts at Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as 17 caps for his country.

He saved a penalty and pulled off a raft of classy saves to deny John Kosmina�s men.

"Can he play for Australia again, yes I think he can," said the former Fulham and Wellington Phoenix winger.

"After the way he played against Sydney (a thumping 3-0 win), who knows what he can achieve. His performance was up there with the best any current A-League keeper can offer.

"Ante Covic (who is 33) is getting picked as a reserve keeper for the national team and if Mark keeps up that sort of form, and gets into the shape he wants to be in, then we could all be witnessing the beginning of a fairytale.

"His age is not a concern because keepers, as everybody knows, can play until they are 40 and even beyond.

"His body hasn�t suffered from the sorts of injuries which affect most players; it�s suffered in other ways (through his well-documented former addiction to cocaine). But he has no aches and pains. On the training pitch he�s bouncing around like a kid just happy to be playing again.

"He has the hands of somebody who has never held a tool in their life. They�re so perfect looking he could get a Nivea contract.

"It�s fantastic to see how happy he is. He�s been smashed at training the last couple of weeks by (goalkeeping coach) John Crawley - but he�s benefited from it."

Even being declared bankrupt by a London court on Monday - Bosnich once earned a reported $88,000 a week - has not silenced the signature bellowing laugh or dampened his eternal optimism.

With volatile first-choice keeper Danny Vukovic banned from rounds three to seven following his flare-up in last season�s Grand Final - and protracted rounds of appeals - Bosnich is now likely to be offered a short-term deal and the chance to challenge for the top spot.

His aura has already entranced the Mariners dressing room with El**ch adding: "His happiness, humour and confidence are all infectious.

"And he�s showed he can still do the business. He�s always been one of the best shot-stoppers in the world and some of the saves he pulled off against Sydney were magnificent - especially for someone who�s been out of the game so long.

"It�s a stepping stone for him. He weighs 105kg and says he has to lose 10 more to get back to his old playing weight. That would be an achievement in itself.

"It�s great the club has given him the chance to resurrect his career and his life. Bad things have happened to him but it shows his strength of character that he�s been able to begin the climb back.

"There are things he no doubt regrets but people will remember the way he�s tried to made amends. It�s a great thing for football. I personally never thought I�d see him back in the game."

El**ch believes Bosnich can also be a mentor to incumbent Vukovic, a young man whose own career has been dogged by controversy.

"Danny can learn off one of the best on the world now. I�m sure Mark doesn�t expect to just walk in and take Danny�s position.

"It will come down to form, and after Sunday it would be hard probably to drop Bozza."

*Ends*