McFlynn earns new Sydney deal

Loyalty ... Terry McFlynn's strong second-half of the season will be rewarded. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Sydney FC coach Frank Farina is to keep one of his key lieutenants next season, with club captain Terry McFlynn believed to have agreed terms on a new contract with the Sky Blues.

The 31-year-old, the only player remaining from Sydney's first-season championship, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Farina's arrival, restored to the first team and to the fore of the club's ascension from bottom of the league.

Now McFlynn is poised to sign a one-year extension to his deal, keeping him at the club at least until the end of next season.

The Northern Irishman, who played at every level for his country below full international, fell out of favour under Ian Crook and was at one stage harshly booed by the club's own supporters.

But amidst the "dogfight" to reach the finals, as Farina has termed it, McFlynn has thrived to the degree that he has earned the new contract.

The re-signing is likely to be completed before Saturday's game with the Central Coast with Farina working on defensive structure at training this weekend, after the concession of two preventable goals against Perth last week.

Sydney have slipped to eighth spot after two consecutive losses, the 2-1 defeat in Perth following a 3-1 defeat at Melbourne Victory.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill, preparing for his first professional senior appearance in his home city, admitted the loss of concentration had cost his new side dearly, compounded by yet another red card, this time to defender Fabio, who is suspended for Saturday's clash.

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