Soccer: Smeltz returning to A-League - report

Shane Smeltz. Photo / Getty Images

All Whites striker Shane Smeltz is set to make a return to the A-League, signing a short term contract with Gold Coast United.

Smeltz left Gold Coast for Turkish side Genclerberligi in September but will return to the side until the end of the season.

Last season's A-League Golden Boot winner has struggled for game time in Turkey, making just four appearances for Genclerberligi and scoring only once.

Smeltz, who scored for the All Whites in their 1-1 draw with Italy at last year's World Cup, could make a return for Gold Coast as early as next weekend for Saturday's clash against Sydney.

Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer told Goldcoast.com.au that the deal is done: "Shane will be joining us. We know he hasn't played that much and we don't know what his form is going to be like.

"But if he's anything like the player who left us then we are in for a treat. He's coming back as a marquee signing until the end of the season, which means he'll be here for the finals.

"He wants to come back and we want to have him back."

Smeltz left Gold Coast United for Chinese club Shandong Luneng after the World Cup but walked out on the club a day into his contract.

- Herald online