Hutchinson gives Malta the thumbs-up

Central Coast Mariners midfielder John Hutchinson says he will use his experiences with the Maltese national team to help him make the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season a success.

After Hutchinson discovered the Malta FA were looking for eligible players to boost the national squad in the midst of a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, the Victoria-born midfielder jumped at the chance to represent his adopted nation.

"Before playing for Malta, I never really knew much about my grandmother's heritage. After spending some time there with the national squad I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people, and the beauty of a country I really knew very little about previously," said Hutchinson.

"I had a great time there, both on and off the field, and I'm lucky that a chance encounter has turned into something so exciting for me.

"Playing for Malta against the likes of (Sweden striker) Zlatan Ibrahimovic in World Cup qualifiers is something I would never have dreamed about 12 months ago, but now it's a reality, and one of the greatest experiences of my life."

In what would no doubt go down as the busiest off-season of Hutchinson's career, his Maltese international debut was overshadowed by an even greater achievement.

"As soon as I walked off the pitch after my first friendly match (against Sydney FC), I was told my wife Kate had gone into labour, and after racing back to the Central Coast she gave birth to our little son.

"As if pre-season wasn't bad enough, I've now been going through it with almost no sleep, at least I'm getting good at changing nappies," said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson's allegiance to the Maltese national team will also guarantee him a new fan base in Australia.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that in 2006, 153,805 Australians claimed Maltese ancestry and 43,708 Australian residents were born in Malta. This represents the largest Maltese community outside of Malta.

"Through our partnership with Sheffield United and their links to Malta, we were asked to scout Australia for players eligible for the Maltese national squad," said Mariners Executive chairman Lyall Gorman.

"Not only did this initiative give one of our players the chance at representing his now adopted nation in World Cup qualifiers, but it gave us, as a company, the chance to work closely with the Maltese FA.

"We were extremely impressed with what they brought to the table, and we'd like to think that they were just as impressed with our business."

On Thursday, Hutchinson used his experience with the Maltese national squad to steel himself for the opening match of the Hyundai A-League season.

After a seven-game unbeaten pre-season, Central Coast Mariners beat reigning champions Melbourne Victory 2-0.