Soccer: Knights gain Australian striker, Swiss defender

The international roll-call at the New Zealand Knights continues to grow, with two more overseas players added to Paul Nevin's squad this week.

Experienced Swiss defender/midfielder Gregory Duruz arrived in New Zealand yesterday and will have his first training run with his new club this afternoon.

Young Australian striker Adam Casey arrived earlier at North Harbour Stadium to join the squad.

Duruz, 29, played for Switzerland at five different age group levels including under-21.

He has had a successful club career including numerous appearances in Champions League and Uefa Cup matches.

Nevin is keen to work with Duruz as he continues to prepare for his first game with the new-look team.

"Gregory has been on our shopping list for some time. He will be a valuable addition to the squad, especially given his natural left-side ability," said Nevin.

"He has played against teams like Manchester United, Valencia, Liverpool and Juventus and is aware of what is needed to compete at the very highest level."

Duruz is aware of the Hyundai A-League, saying Australia's efforts at the World Cup have only heightened interest in it.

Casey, a 20-year-old striker, is in the Australian under-23 squad and was recommended to the Knights by under-23 head coach Graham Arnold who was one of the Socceroos coaches in Germany.

There are now 14 overseas players on the Knights' books, including Malik Buari, a 22-year-old Ghanaian utility player, Sime Kovacevic, an 18-year-old Australian defender, Jonas Salley, a 24-year-old Ivory Coast defensive midfielder and South African-born Jonathan Richter who played for Australia at the under-20 level.

The New Zealanders in the squad are Che Bunce, Noah Hickey and Michael White.

The Knights kick-off their season with their first match in the Pre-Season Cup against the Newcastle Jets at North Harbour Stadium on July 16.