Six weeks ago, Chris Oldfield was trialling with Central Coast when the Gosford outfit played a friendly against Melbourne Victory behind closed doors at AAMI Park.
Now, with the Mariners’ first choice keeper Liam Reddy stood down indefinitely over disciplinary issues, it opens the door for a possible A-League move for the Hume City custodian.
The 24-year-old wasn’t overawed by the occasion last night, producing a string of quality saves during his side’s FFA Cup semi-final defeat against Melbourne Victory, one of the biggest games of his career to date.
He kept his side in the contest for almost the whole 90 minutes, and while Hume’s tired legs saw Victory score two late sealers, Oldfield stood out as one of the best performers on the night.
“I think I’m A-League ready, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity for the last couple of years now, so if it’s there, I’m going to take it,” Oldfield said.
“As a goalkeeper you want to play the best, you want to prove yourself against the best, like Berisha and Kosta [Barbarouses] and everyone else.
“If you can make saves against these guys, you can make them against anyone [in the A-League].
“It’s good for myself and it’s good exposure.”
READ MORE > Hume’s Oldfield features for Mariners in friendly
With Reddy allegedly on notice for his indiscretions since pre-season, the revelation provides a strong indication that Oldfield had been strongly considered by the Mariners as a backup option for the club.
While Hume’s season officially came to an end last night, he said he’d almost immediately return to the training ground to keep sharp in case an A-League opportunity came knocking.
“Anything can pop up over the next couple of months with myself and the A-League, so I’m going to keep myself fit,” he said.
“I’m going to take some time off, as in a week, and then get back into it again.
“I’ve got to keep myself ticking over because you never know what’s around the corner with the A-League, if I’m not ready I’m going to embarrass myself, so I’m going to keep myself as fit as I can.”
An A-League contract would serve as deserved reward for the former Liverpool youth product, who has toiled in state competitions with Hume City since 2012, making almost 100 appearances for the club and winning the 2014 NPL Goalkeeper of the Year in the process.
Hume City coach Lou Acevski gave Oldfield – one of the NPL’s best keepers – a ringing endorsement after his performance against Melbourne Victory.
“Chris Oldfield was on show tonight, and he kept us in the game with some great saves, he’s one I believe can step up immediately and make a difference in the A-League,” Acevski said.