On-loan Mariner Vernes keen to prove himself

22-year-old Richárd Vernes seems to have stumbled upon the good life here in Australia.

Having landed on the Central Coast just over a month ago, the Hungarian midfielder is excited for the 2014/15 A-League season to begin and is determined to show Australian fans just what he's made of.

The former youth international is on a two-season loan from Hungarian outfit Budapest Honvéd, where he was averaging one goal every four games. Needless to say, Vernes is keen to keep the ball rolling into the back of the net for his new squad.

He says he'd like to see the Central Coast Mariners go all the way to the top of the A-League ladder and to the finals of the Asian Champions League.

“For the team, first, I want to win always; I heard that we have a good chance to win and we want to win the championship," Vernes said.

"I've never played in the Asian Champions League before, and want to end up at least in the first four."

His desire to win is mirrored by the rest of the young squad, of which Vernes says there is a lot of talent and dedication.

“We have a good team, good players and good staff. In Hungary, the quality is good but here everybody works harder, everybody gives 100 per cent."

The young squad will certainly be put through their paces in the 2014/15 season as they come up against more experienced players; however, Vernes says that morale is high and that he's started to bond with his teammates off-field, as well.

“We sometimes go for coffee, or play Xbox and Playstation and hang out together."

Coach Phil Moss has expressed how pleased he is with Vernes, both on and off the field, telling CCMariners.com.au: “Richi is a fantastic guy. Certainly from my point of view, he'll bring a lot of quality to our team.”

The feelings seem to be mutual, with Vernes saying that he hopes his stint with the Mariners will inspire other Hungarian players to come to Australia.

“All my former teammates text me or call me asking how I'm feeling here, and I always say positive things,” Vernes said.

“Some teammates want to come here as well because in Europe everyone has heard that Australia is the best country in the world. It's a good life and good football.

“Also, there are beautiful girls, too."

Despite a somewhat slow start to training, Vernes is excited about getting his boots dirty.

“I missed the first two weeks due to sickness and I was a little injured, so it was hard starting, but now I feel good."

It's certainly down to business for the Hungarian midfielder if he wants to secure himself a spot in Phil Moss' starting 11.

“I will try to be in the first 11, but right now we don't know, everyone is fighting for their place.

"I have some weaknesses like everybody else which I want to improve on."

Vernes is looking toward the future without any definite plans. Although his contract is for two A-League seasons, he says he doesn't know where the road will take him.

“Maybe if I play good here I can go to a higher level... but, if I feel good and everything is alright here and I'm given a good option, I'd like to stay.”

Richárd Vernes will be hoping to earn selection in the Mariners' opening game of the 2014/15 A-League season at home against the Newcastle Jets on October 11.