Mariner Tom Rogic puts brakes on move to Reading, citing struggling EPL club ... - Herald Sun

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold says his side was flattered by the 2-0 scoreline against Western Sydney Wanderers after they failed to capitalise against 10 men.

A brace to evergreen striker Danny McBreen gives Central Coast Mariners a win over 10-man Western Sydney Wanderers.

Central Coast Mariner Mat Ryan leaves today for a 10-day trial with Scottish club Rangers. Picture: Robert Mckell Source: The Daily Telegraph

MARINERS keeper Mat Ryan will leave today for a 10-day trial with Scottish club Rangers, but teammate Tom Rogic's move to Reading in the EPL is close to collapsing after the youngster became concerned the move wasn't right for him.

Central Coast chairman Peter Turnbull had expected to sell both Rogic and Ryan to English clubs this week but Ryan's proposed deal with Championship side Derby has also stalled over the personal terms offered to the 20-year-old goalkeeper.

Instead, Ryan will depart today for a "training period" with the fallen Scottish giants who have a transfer embargo until September and can't sign anyone until then.

However, it's understood they are keen on Ryan as a long-term capture, and hope to tie up a deal to be ratified in September, which would allow Ryan to see out the season with the Mariners.

The agreement for Rogic to go to Reading, meanwhile, which appeared to be a done deal, has hit two problems, with the English side only willing to pay a certain amount upfront despite having agreed an in-principle figure overall.

But more pertinently, Rogic himself is believed to have felt increasingly uncomfortable that Reading represent the best platform for his development given the deepening relegation battle facing the EPL club.

Though Turnbull felt obliged to sell his star No.10, who will be off contract and able to leave the Mariners for free after the Asian Champions League campaign, it appears increasingly likely he will see out the season.

It's understood Celtic also made an inquiry about Rogic but made only a verbal offer significantly below the figure that would prompt the Mariners to sell.

Ryan should miss just one A-League game, the round 16 clash with Melbourne Victory in Launceston on January 12.

It's understood the deal was hatched after Ranger manager Ally McCoist spoke to several contacts in Australia as he seeks players for the rebuilding of his club, demoted to the Scottish third division after going bust last season.

McCoist was directed to Lawrie McKinna, the Mariners' general manager of football who was holidaying in the UK.

"I was in Scotland over Christmas, spoke with Ally McCoist about Mathew Ryan," McKinna said.

The likelihood of both players staying for the rest of the season will come as a huge relief to coach Graham Arnold, who has watched a number of his key players sold over the past year.