By TERRY MADDAFORD
Paul Urlovic was a bit of a lad. He liked a couple of beers and fitted his football around his social life.
That was then.
Now, he says, his priorities are different.
With Australian girlfriend Carolaine as the settling influence, Urlovic is giving his football a decent shot.
"The Confederations Cup is the priority," the 24-year-old Urlovic says of next year's big event in France.
"That's every player's goal. The scouts will be there.
"It will be a very important tournament."
Urlovic has already been there, done that, but didn't get a lot of game time when New Zealand played in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1999.
"The experience was brilliant. Going back would be great. This time I want to be in the starting XI."
To do that he knows he must perform - and score goals.
He has had a slow start to his third season with the Kingz, playing off the bench in five of the first seven games, substituted in two others, and failed to score in any.
Urlovic then missed the match with Marconi, but bounced back to score his first goal of the season (as a substitute) against Parramatta.
He has since played off the bench against Brisbane and started in last week's 2-0 win over Newcastle, setting the game alight with a well-taken goal on the end of a well-worked Kingz move.
"It was good to be back. Scoring a goal like that was a good confidence booster.
"I had a few words with Ken [coach Dugdale] and he gave me a chance.
"All players who sit on the bench get frustrated.
"Also, it has been difficult with Harry [Ngata] playing so well with Andy [Vlahos] and Patricio [Almendra] up front."
Dugdale could face something of dilemma for Sunday's away game against South Melbourne if Ngata returns from injury.
"Perhaps he will play in Chris Jackson's place in midfield," says Urlovic, who is obviously keen to hold his place.
"That will be the coaches' decision."
Urlovic is enjoying his new-found relationship with Almendra.
"I like playing up front with him. I like the way he plays. He is strong on the ball and looks for the quicker players around him."
After playing as a youngster at Waitemata, Urlovic had time at West Auckland and Green Bay Titirangi before joining Central.
That was hardly surprising considering his Croatian parents and the link Croatia has with the Sandringham-based club.
He and older brother Mathew had played together in the Liston College first XI, and formed a powerful strikeforce at Central before Paul headed to Melbourne and the Knights.
Urlovic played 24 out of 34 games and scored four goals for a team who struggled - they finished 12th of 16.
"After we beat the Kingz 4-0 I was approached by Wynton Rufer to see if I wanted to come back to Auckland.
"I jumped at the chance because the Knights were only playing on a part-time basis and they [the Kingz] offered me the opportunity of a fulltime professional deal."
While he enjoyed his Melbourne experience, Urlovic knew he had to be back and be seen to advance his career.
Now, his sights firmly on performing at the highest possible level, he would love to follow former Central, Kingz and All Whites team-mate Ivan Vicelich in playing overseas.
"Hopefully, if I can have a couple of good seasons something will happen. I know it is up to me.
"I enjoy training, but I have to put in the hard work.
"Sure, scoring goals is important, but not necessarily everything. Andy Vlahos has been playing really well but hasn't scored in 11 games this season. But he has had a hand in setting up most of the goals."
Determined he will not return to his former job as an electrician, Urlovic is enjoying his new slant on life away from the football pitch.
"I'm past the partying now. We are happy to go for a barbecue at one of the guy's places.
"On my day off I like to relax, maybe have a massage, an afternoon nap or go fishing. I love fishing. Andy has a boat which is a help."
Golf? "No. It's too frustrating."
Just like sitting on the bench.
Soccer: The long spell between drinks
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