JARROD Kyle officially joined Sydney FC yesterday, with coach Frank Farina insisting the striker will have to earn his stripes in the Sky Blues' youth team.
The 19-year-old Australian signed with the A-League club until the end of this season.
His arrival comes after the axing of midfielder Jason Culina, with Kyle's signature following an 11th-hour move by the Sky Blues on Monday night, before the Australian transfer window closed.
Farina said the club had been in talks with Kyle "only a day" before the deal was sealed.
Kyle returned to Australia after three years playing with Sheffield Wednesday's academy, youth and under-21 teams.
"We had some information that he was coming back from England and we had a look at him (during training) and liked what I saw," Farina said yesterday.
"He's young, very strong and very quick, so it's worth having a look until the end of the season, and we'll go from there."
Kyle will play in the youth team but could be part of the Sky Blues' bid to reach the A-League finals.
"It's up to him and how he goes, fitness wise and training," Farina said.
The rookie's signing follows the termination of Culina's contract after his bust-up with Farina at training last week.
Farina denied the spot became available because of Culina's exit.
"No, I don't think so. That's a closed chapter and everyone's said what needs to be said. We've moved on and I'm sure Jason has too," he said.
Kyle was thrilled to link with Sydney FC.
"It was just a spontaneous decision. I got the phone call on Thursday night, and flew out on Friday," he said. "Came here for one week and that was it really."
Kyle said he received a number of offers from various clubs.
"They're just such a massive club," he said.
"Hopefully if I play well in the youth team this weekend, get a good performance under my belt, I can push for a spot either on the bench or a start (in the first team)."
lDefending champion Brisbane Roar's woes have worsened, with captain Matt Smith ruled out for the rest of the A-League season due to hip surgery.
Smith had an operation yesterday and will be sidelined for four months, ending any chance he could return for the play-offs.
The Socceroos defender hasn't played or trained for the past month due to a hip labrum tear but, even as recently as Tuesday, remained optimistic of featuring again this season.
The Roar has missed his leadership and poise in central defence with James Donachie, Matt Jurman and Ivan Franjic all sharing time in his position.
Brisbane has been a shadow of the side that scooped 2010-11 and 2011-12 A-League titles, dropping to eighth on the ladder following its 2-1 loss to Sydney FC on Sunday.
AAP
No comments:
Post a Comment