Cernak´s Perth move not certain

Isaka Cernak says his move to Perth Glory for next season is far from a done deal.

Cernak, who was signed by Wellington Phoenix for the rest of this A-League campaign during the transfer window, says he is negotiating with several clubs about next season – including the Phoenix.

“It’s not a done deal at the moment,” said the 23-year-old attacking midfielder of a move to Western Australia.

“I’m not too sure how it’ll go at the moment. It’s just all up in the air.

“I’ve been in talks with a few clubs. I’m just trying to make the best decision. At the moment I’m enjoying the football here (at Wellington) and that’s my focus.

“They’ve given me this chance to come here and I’m very grateful for that and focusing on repaying that faith for the rest of the season and then who knows.”

Cernak has moved between several clubs during his short A-League career. He began with Brisbane Roar in 2008/09 then moved to the now defunct North Queensland Fury before joining Melbourne Victory for the 2011/12 season.

Ange Postecoglou released the player last month after he got limited game time at Victory and he was snapped up by Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert to bring some creativity to the Wellington midfield.

Cernak made his first appearance for the Phoenix off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle Jets, played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win against Glory in Auckland last weekend and is set to start in midfield again on Thursday against table-toppers Central Coast Mariners.

“It’s only one game but I’ve got the rest of the season to show what I’ve got and give back to Ricki who has given me a chance here,” said the Australian.

“Hopefully I can continue that and get some more 90 minutes under my belt. The main thing is that we’ve got a win. Hopefully that’s going to turn the season around.”

Herbert has been pleased with what he has seen from Cernak so far.

“He’s good. He’s lively. He’s quick. He’s a good technician. He’s certainly shaping as what we’d like to see for the future,” said the Phoenix boss.

“But he’s bringing immediate impact. I thought he was good at the weekend. I’ve been very pleased with him.”

The Mariners will be a far tougher prospect at Bluetongue Stadium than Glory were at Eden Park last Sunday.

They are three points clear at the top of the table and are unbeaten at home so far this season.

But Cernak felt the win in Auckland – the Phoenix’s first since December 27 against Melbourne Heart – had lifted confidence within a side that has been under heavy scrutiny following co-owner’s Gareth Morgan’s comments about the team’s playing style and the club’s fans’ and a five-match winless streak.

“This week has been very good. They boys are very upbeat and looking forward to this Thursday,” said Cernak.

“Mentally it does make a massive difference getting three points and having a win, regardless of the performance.

“I think we can still improve a lot and to be honest that gives us a lot more motivation knowing that we’ve got a lot more we can show and we did win last week.

“Coming up against better opposition we know we’ve got to be better and we know we can be. It’s positive for us.”