By BEN NADARAJAN

HE CAME in with little fanfare in mid-season but he will be the main man in Tanjong Pagar United's midfield tomorrow.

Vlado Bozinoski has helped his club to the Tiger Beer Singapore Cup and will be looking to add the Singapore Pools FA Cup to the Jaguars' trophy cabinet.

However, the Australian midfielder took some time to prove his worth.

Said Tanjong Pagar coach Tohari Paijan: "In his first few matches, he looked very rusty and lacked match fitness."

But he has since come good. In 12 Cup matches, he has scored three goals -- his latest against Singapore Armed Forces FC in the Singapore Cup final.

The experience that the 34-year-old has gleaned during his time in Europe with clubs like Sporting Lisbon and Ipswich Town may just prove vital to Tanjong Pagar's midfield. Its engine room has been depleted by Samawira Basri's suspension and Majid Motlagh's injury.

Said Tohari: "Bozinoski has the vision to play a quick through ball to the forwards and this is especially useful in a large field like the National Stadium.

"His vast experience in Europe can also help guide the youngsters Azhar Salleh and Basri Halis."

Ironically, Azhar has more experience playing in local Cup finals than Bozinoski.

The 23-year-old was involved in the two Cup finals last season with SAFFC. He also played 16 league games for SAFFC this year before moving to the Jaguars in August after completing his national service. However, he has been used more as a substitute by the Jaguars.