Reaction surprises Sydney handball goalscorer

Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC A-League Preliminary Final

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ANTHONY JOHNSON/Sun-Herald Zoom

NO WAY: Phoenix goalkeeper Liam Reddy (right) protests for hand ball as Sydney FC players celebrate Chris Payne's second goal of the A-League playoff match in Sydney.

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Chris Payne is surprised by the strength of the reaction to his controversial handball goal against the Wellington Phoenix in Saturday night's A-League preliminary final.

''Obviously it was a big game, but it's definitely surprised me how much attention the goal has got,'' he said.

''The cheating thing, it's a bit of a shock, because I'm not like that at all. The full intention was to head the ball, it just happened to come off my arm.''

Did accusations of cheating hurt?

''You only worry about yourself, not what others think,'' he said.

''Everyone will have their opinion, I just blank it out.''

The 19-year-old is more concerned about sorting out his professional future.

Sydney FC are hoping to keep hold of him but face a battle for his signature from his home-town club, Central Coast Mariners.

Payne has been a regular bench-warmer for the Sky Blues, playing just 413 minutes so far this season, but he snatched his chance after John Aloisi went off with a season-ending injury last weekend - albeit with the help of the goal that came off his arm.

Payne is now in pole position to start against Melbourne Victory in the grand final, and it seems the club is warming to the prospect of keeping him on the books.

''We're interested in retaining him and we're hoping to progress the talks over the coming days and weeks,'' said vice-chairman, Scott Barlow. '''Vitja' [coach Vitezslav Lavicka] has had some initial discussions, and believes he's a player who's got potential and room for growth.''

Asked if that translated into a contract offer, Barlow conceded: ''No, not yet.''

Payne last night said he was keen to sort out his future, as his contract expires at the end of the month.

''It's hard training and playing without knowing what the future is, so I am getting a bit toey, actually,'' Payne said. ''I haven't been offered anything, I'm still waiting for the club to come up with something.

''You hope something will come out of it when you train hard and play, but we'll have to wait and see.''

Sydney might have to move quickly as the Mariners are known to be interested in bringing him back to the Central Coast, where he played for Umina in the junior ranks before moving to NSW Premier League side Manly United. With Manly United coach Phil Moss set to become Graham Arnold's assistant at Bluetongue Stadium next season, the Mariners will have an even stronger case to get him on board.

Meanwhile, Sydney's reserve goalkeeper Ivan Necevski has signed a new one-year year with the club. Necevski, 30, has not played a match this year after first-choice stopper Clint Bolton cemented his position.

Necevski may have better luck next year when Bolton moves to Melbourne Heart, but the Sky Blues have already agreed to a three-year deal with Wellington Phoenix glovesman Liam Reddy.

- © Fairfax NZ News