Ruben Zadkovich

Ruben Zadkovich

230px Zadkovich playing for Newcastle Jets in 2010
Personal information
Full name	Ruben Anton Zadkovic
Date of birth	(1986-05-23) 23 May 1986
Place of birth	Fairfield, Australia
Height
Position(s)	Central midfielder
Team information
Current team	Perth Glory
Number	8
Youth career
0000–2004	Wollongong Wolves
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2004–2005	Queens Park Rangers	0	(0)
2005	Notts County	9	(1)
2006–2008	Sydney FC	41	(2)
2008–2010	Derby County	5	(0)
2010–2014	Newcastle Jets	97	(6)
2014–	Perth Glory	13	(1)
International career‡
2005	Australia U-20	5	(0)
2006–2008	Australia U-23	25	(1)
2008–	Australia	3	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 April 2015 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 25 July 2013

Ruben Anton Zadkovich (born 23 May 1986) is an Australian football (soccer) player who plays for Perth Glory as a midfielder.

Club career

Born in Fairfield, Sydney, New South Wales, Zadkovich had previously played for English Football League club Notts County, scoring on his debut against Chester City, as well as Queens Park Rangers and Australian side Wollongong Wolves. He has also made several appearances for the Young Socceroos, most notably at the FIFA World Youth Championship.

Sydney FC

Following his time in England, Zadkovich returned to Australia in late 2005 and trialled for Sydney FC. He travelled with the squad to the FIFA Club World Championship and despite not making an appearance he impressed coach Littbarski, being called in as a short-term replacement for injured Ufuk Talay late in the season. After a 12-minute debut off the bench against Queensland Roar, Zadkovich impressed with his first start against Perth Glory (which included a goal), playing one game in Sydney's run to the inaugural A-League championship, earning him a two-year full-time contract. He was allowed to leave the club in March 2008.

Derby County

On 17 April 2008, it was revealed Zadkovich had signed a two-year deal with English club Derby County, although his registration was unable to be completed before 1 July. Zadkovich made his Derby debut as a second-half substitute against Norwich City at Pride Park in October 2008, in a match which Derby won 3–1. He struggled with injuries during his time at Derby and, after only 7 appearances for the club, cancelled his contract by mutual consent on 23 January 2010.

Newcastle Jets

On 6 April 2010, Zadkovich confirmed that he had penned a three-year contract with the Newcastle Jets that would see him return to play his football in Australia.

Perth Glory

On 29 May 2014, Zadkovich received an early release from Newcastle Jets and signed with Perth Glory. On 15 November 2014, Zadkovich made his debut for Perth Glory coming on as a substitute against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Glory went on to win the game 2–1. On 22 November 2014, Zadkovich came on as a substitute against Wellington Phoenix in the 61st minute but was sent off after just 17 seconds with a two-footed tackle.

International career

Zadkovich made his debut at right-back in the last home game of 1st round 2010 World Cup Qualifications, against China, at ANZ Stadium on 22 June 2008. Australia lost this match 1–0, with Zadkovich giving away a penalty in the second half.

Zadkovich took part in the 2008 Olympics as part of Australia's national team (Olyroos). He scored from close range in a 1–1 draw with Serbia, Australia's only goal in an unsuccessful campaign. He also played against Argentina in what was Australia's best performance of the tournament.

Honours

Sydney FC

• A-League Championship: 2005–06

External links

• Newcastle Jets
• OzFootball profile
• Ruben Zadkovich career statistics at Soccerbase
• FFA – Olyroo profile