Grella ponders next move

The 32-year-old midfield general is seeking a fresh start as he hopes to follow close friend and fellow Socceroos star at two World Cup campaigns, Mark Bresciano, back into the green and gold.

Though linked with a return to Italy last month, Grella's representative Anthony Crea told The World Game he is far more likely to follow Bresciano to the Persian Gulf, where Grella's former club mate at Carlton, Empoli and Parma stars for Al Nasr in the UAE Pro-League.

Japan, Korea or even China are also likely options for Grella whose Blackburn Rovers contract expires at the end of June.

Rubbed out of Australia's 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa with injury after the opening game loss to Germany and in national team limbo ever since, Grella is coming off a frustrating four seasons at Ewood Park.

"I see Asia or the Middle East as good options for Vinnie," Crea said. "There has been some interest from a few parties and we'll see where it leads.

"He needs a fresh start and needs to go somewhere and enjoy his football again. He's still very passionate about the game. He's just returned to fitness in the past few weeks and still feels he has a lot to offer at both club level and also for his country.

"He's a hard-nosed professional and is still talking about returning for the Socceroos. He's adamant that once fit and playing regular club football again he'll knock on the door of the national team again.

"The reason he was reluctant to put his hand up after 2010 was to concentrate on his fitness and getting his body right.

"He felt that he wouldn't be doing himself, or the team, any favours if he was trying to push himself forward when not 100 percent fit.

"I believe he's now put all these injuries behind him and will get a chance to be involved again during the qualifying campaign for Brazil."

Grella took inspiration from the sparkling performance of Bresciano in Australia's 4-2 World Cup qualifying win over Saudi Arabia in February as he returned from an 18-month national team absence with panache and a renewed sense of purpose.

"Vinnie was really happy for 'Bresch' and of course the thought of playing alongside him again for Australia is an added incentive," added Crea.

Blackburn is three points from safety at the foot of the Premier league with just four games left to secure its survival having crashed 3-0 against Swansea City at the weekend.

Crea said bad luck played a part in a run of injuries which never allowed the classy and combative Grella to make the impact his undoubted talent promised after joining Rovers from Torino back in 2008.

"He's just had a really bad trot and couldn't get things right and to his credit he's always stayed positive," added Crea.

"He's kept himself in very good shape physically and is always the consummate professional."