Tony Lochhead has been given a 10-day trial at English club Middlesbrough. Photo / Getty Images
Phoenix left back Tony Lochhead left for England yesterday and the lure of a Premier League soccer contract with Middlesbrough.
The Wellington-based football club confirmed that Lochhead, 26, would be training with Boro over the next 10 days with a view to entering contract negotiations.
Phoenix spokesman John
Mitchell said links between Phoenix and New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert and Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate opened the way for Lochhead's trip overseas.
Herbert said it would be disappointing to lose a player of Lochhead's calibre.
"Arguably he's the best left back in the league, but that's the reality of professional football. These chances don't come along that often," he said on TV3 last night.
Lochhead, an All White since 2003, said the opportunity had come as something of a surprise.
"Ricki came up to me and had a little word and said there could be something happening and it's just sort of progressed from there. I didn't really see it coming, but obviously I'm really excited about it," he said.
Middlesbrough finished in 13th place in last season's 20-strong Premier League.
- NZPA
