PASCOE Vale midfielder Michael Ferrante says mutual respect for their soccer knowledge makes playing under his older brother Vitale easy.

The former Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix midfielder has been a key cog in Pascoe Vale’s midfield in the first season of the National Premier League and was recognised as the competition’s player of the month for rounds 5-8.

Ferrante, 33, has helped Pascoe Vale climb the NPL table after a difficult start to 2014 which left it mired in 12th with one win from five matches.

The club has climbed to eighth on the back of an improved run of form, including a 2-0 away win against Port Melbourne in Round 12.

“Personal accolades aren’t what I play for at this stage of my career,” Ferrante said.

“I’m getting on a bit, I’m 33 years old.

“It’s a club where I was always going to end up, it’s my family club.

“It’s great to be part of the set up there and (we’re) trying to progress the club as far as it can go.”

Ferrante always seemed destined to land at Pascoe Vale after a career that has taken him to the top of Australian soccer and abroad.

His nieces and nephews play for the club, while his brother has been involved at Hosken Reserve for as long as he can recall.

“It’s not a club that prides itself on its financial status, but it definitely prides itself on its ethical standpoint and beliefs,” he said.

“It makes it a really good place to be around and gets the best out of people.

“When you’re not trying to do anything for financial reasons, just for pure pleasure, it’s a very rewarding situation when results fall your way.”

He said he was enjoying playing in a more advanced role in Pascoe Vale’s midfield than during his A-League career.

Ferrante said the first season of the NPL had been positive, but the long-term success of the competition and A-League would be measured by quality youngsters wanting to progress their careers in Australia.

Ferrante played 26 games for Melbourne Victory and 43 with Wellington before joining Richmond.

The former Essendon City and Fawkner junior said the New Zealand club would always hold a special place in his heart after helping extend his career in Australia’s top flight. Pascoe Vale hosts Hume City this Friday, June 20, at Hosken Reserve.