Soccer: Knights sign on Portuguese striker

The New Zealand Knights A-League soccer playing roster has been boosted by the signing of Portuguese striker Dani Rodriguez, a former under-21 international.

The 26-year-old impressed in trials with the squad this week and a deal had been signed, a Knights spokesman confirmed yesterday.

"It's settled, the contract's signed. We're just awaiting registration from the FFA [Football Federation Australia]," the spokesman said.

Knights manager Paul Nevin said: "I know of Dani's ability from his time in England. He was first spotted by [former England manager] Glen Hoddle and taken to Southampton.

"He suffered a couple of setbacks but he's on the comeback trail and he's as fit and sharp as he's ever been."

Rodriguez might not get the clearance before the Knights' first pre-season cup game against the Newcastle Jets at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow but should be on for the second pool game away to the Queensland Roar in Brisbane next Saturday.

Rodriguez adds another dimension to the global flavour of Nevin's squad following the signing of former Scottish international Scot Gemmill, Ivory Coast midfielder Jonas Salley and Swiss defender Gregory Duruz.

There are two places to fill in the 20-man roster, which so far includes a dozen new arrivals.

The Knights are not expected to name their lineup until shortly before kick-off.

* Meanwhile, Australia's leaders are getting serious about hosting the World Cup in 2018.

Australia's state political leaders yesterday joined Prime Minister John Howard in backing a proposal for hosting rights in 12 years' time.

The leaders, meeting in Canberra for the Council of Australian Governments meeting, said they would back any moves for a World Cup bid forum, to be led by the FFA.

"It is the largest sporting event yet to be hosted in Australia, and the Socceroos' performance in Germany has generated enormous interest and support for the game," the leaders said in a joint statement.

"We look forward to assisting the FFA's development of a World Cup bid through discussion and planning around a range of issues."

Mr Howard said: "If the Football Federation chooses to make a bid, all governments in Australia - the Commonwealth and the eight state and territory governments - will all support that bid and do everything we can collectively to help it come to a successful conclusion."

- NZPA