MATT Millar got a taste of FA Cup action, playing off the bench for Shrewsbury Town in an epic 1-0 win in extra-time over Oxford City to help his adopted club to progress to the third round.
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But whether Millar's cameo early Monday morning Australian time was enough for new manager Steve Cotterill to pay the Jets a transfer fee remains to be seen.
Shrewsbury Town have until the close of business Tuesday in England to take up the option of buying the final six months of Millar's contract.
The experienced Cotterill was appointed on Friday as the replacement for Sam Ricketts.
Shrewsbury Town sit second bottom on the League One ladder, one point above Wigan Athletic, and have not won in eight games in the English third tier.
Millar joined the Town on loan on October 4 and made his debut off the bench in a 2-1 triumph over Bolton Wanderers two days later. However, the right fullback injured his hamstring and missed almost a month.
He returned as a last-minute substitute in a 2-0 win over Cambridge United in the first round of the FA Cup, before scoring in his starting debut - a 4-3 victory against Crewe Alexandria.
Millar made it two goals in two games, hitting the target in a 3-all stalemate with Swindon Town in the league.
After starting in a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town and 2-0 all draw with MK Dons, the flyer was moved to the bench for the FA Cup second round.
"With a new coach coming in, I have no idea," Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said. "I don't have a read on the situation. I sent an email to their CEO on Sunday. Under the loan agreement, they have to notify us by the close of business December 1 if they intend to pay his transfer. If they don't take up the option, he finishes up on December 31. He will travel home and have to do two week's quarantine."
Millar would most likely return for the Jets' round five trip to Western United.
Veteran utility Jason Hoffman has started at right wingback in the opening three pre-season friendlies.
Melbourne duo Josh Wilkins and Dillon Jakupi are being looked at as potential cover. They started training last week and are likely to play off the bench in a hit out against Melbourne City behind closed doors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The Bernie Ibini contract saga is no closer to a resolution. The wantaway attacker has not trained with the club in nearly a week.
McKinna said he was in talks with Professional Footballer Australia (PFA) players union which is acting as a mediator.
"We are not going to get into a slagging match with his agent but we don't intend to release him," McKinna said.
Wellington Phoenix have signed former Brighton striker and Israel international Tomer Hemed as a marquee player.
Hemed, 33, joins the Phoenix after stints in the Israeli Pro League, La Liga, the Championship and the Premier League.
He scored 28 goals across his first two Championship seasons at Brighton, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League in 2016-17 before scoring two goals in 16 EPL games in 2017-18.
Hemed later went on loan at Queens Park Rangers before joining Charlton last season.
"When the opportunity (with the Phoenix) came up, we thought it was the best move for me as a player and for my family too," Hemed said.
"I've heard great things about the club and I know they had a special season last season."
Hemed has scored 17 goals in 37 appearances for Israel since 2011.
"Tomer is a highly skilled player with a pedigree as a goal scorer and creator," coach Ufuk Talay said.
"It's no secret the club was looking to improve its frontline with an experienced visa player, and Tomer provides what we ... think we need to improve on last season, someone who can convert our chances on goal and distribute to others."
Hemed is currently in hotel quarantine and will later join the Phoenix at their hub in Wollongong.
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
