MARK ROBERTSON is hoping to end a "horrible year" on a bright note by helping his temporary club to the Australian Championship.
Robertson didn't start a league game for Burnley before joining Wollongong Wolves on loan last month.
And even back Down Under he is yet to win a regular place in the side, after picking up a knock on his only starting appearance.
It all adds up to a frustrating time for the Clarets' midfielder, who is hoping a fresh start next season -- which could yet be back at Turf Moor if he takes up a new contract offer --will bring a change of luck.
"It's been a hard season. If I could, I would just put this season to bed and forget about it. It's been a horrible year.
"I don't know if it's been my fault or something else.
"All I want to do is enjoy it and play football and that hasn't happened this year," he said.
Despite the set-backs, Robertson, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Thursday, hasn't lost his appetite for the game.
"I'm always keen to play. I just want to get a run of games.
"I've got to get a proper position and stick to it. There comes a time when you need to find and position and be the best in it. If I can get that sorted out it will be all right," he added.
And the young Aussie still hopes to crack it in Europe, whether it be at Burnley or elsewhere.
He is awaiting details of the Clarets' contract offer and will then weigh up his options.
But at this stage of his career, it appears that the chance of regular football will sway his decision as to where a promising future lies. "I am just playing it by ear. I haven't spoken to anyone yet. Nothing has changed. I just want to wait and see what happens and get some games under my belt," he said.
Robertson jumped at the chance to return to Australia to play some football and see his family.
But after starting two of his first three matches on the bench he is keen to return to the Wolves' starting line-up for tomorrow's home clash with in-form Adelaide Force.
Wollongong, who attracted a crowd of 9,000 for their last home fixture against Robertson's former club Sydney Marconi, are sharing top spot with Perth Glory and Robertson wants to help keep them there.
He said: "I hope to start. I had a word with the coach after the weekend and I would like to start most of the games.
"I didn't come here to be on the bench. But it is difficult. They have done well all year and they are top of the league."
And winning some silverware and staying in the thoughts of the Olympic selectors would at least provide some compensation for a wretched campaign. "We've got six games to go and then it's the play-offs, the quarter-finals, semis and final.
"Hopefully that will take us through to June 6, if all goes well in the play-offs," added Robertson, who could then be back at Burnley less than a month later if he opts for one last shot at becoming a Clarets regular.
Reading and Clarets' promotion rivals Gillingham shared the points in a four-goal thriller at the Madejski Stadium.
Martin Butler shot the Royals ahead two minutes before the interval at the end of a half they had dominated.
But the Gills came out strongly in the second half and Nicky Southall headed an equaliser four minutes after the break.
Substitute Iffy Onuora put Gillingham in front in the 65th minute but Darren Caskey's 21st goal of the season gave Reading a deserved point.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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