Soccer: Banks next up to try to end drought

All Whites striker Campbell Banks is eyeing a full-time contract with the Knights after being signed on a short-term deal.

The lanky 27-year-old has been training with the Knights for a month and was brought into the squad to face Newcastle last night as a replacement for the injured Dani Rodrigues.

The Portuguese striker's knee injury is more serious than first thought but, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of defenders Matt Carbon and Frank van Eijs, there is a possibility Banks' deal could become permanent.

Knights chief executive Bob Patterson admitted they were likely to release Carbon, now back in England, if his groin injury doesn't clear up by the end of the month. "Both parties would want that done," Patterson said.

Dutchman van Eijs has left the club because of a lack of game time and is awaiting a final signoff on the termination of his Knights contract.

Banks had an impressive season with Manawatu in the NZFC last season, notching nine goals in 19 games, and also scored on debut for the All Whites this year. If he could post a similar return for the goal-shy Knights, he would be well on the way to securing a more permanent deal.

"I want to be a full-time pro again," the former Kingz striker said. "I'd like to secure a full-time contract with the Knights, not just four weeks."

Banks had been contemplating playing in the NSW premier league as a way to attract A-League scouts when he was contacted by manager Paul Nevin about training with the Knights.

With van Eijs and Carbon almost certainly on their way out, Nevin is considering his options ahead of the opening of the A-League transfer window on November 1.

"It's opened up a couple of opportunities and there will be spaces available come November 1," Nevin said. "Obviously we need a goal-scorer. We're probably looking for more of an experienced head than anything else."

Ghanaian international midfielder Hamza Mohammed finally received his clearance on Thursday and could be another option if he impresses. All Whites midfielder Tim Brown, signed by Newcastle on a short-term deal, is also available.