Soccer: Knights sign young Australian striker

The New Zealand Knights have added some strikepower to their front line for soccer's A-League by signing Australian under-23 striker Adam Casey.

Knights manager Paul Nevin said he has had his eye on Casey for some weeks.

"I was alerted to Adam through his selection in the Australian under-23 squad and went to watch him play in the State League with Wollongong," Nevin said on the Knights' website.

"His performances then and subsequent talks with coaches that know him as a player and as a person confirmed his potential."

Casey comes highly recommended by Australian under-23 head coach and national assistant coach Graham Arnold.

Arnold was quick to back the 20-year-old when the Knights came calling.

"He had no hesitation in recommending Adam as a player of some talent but also as a person of high calibre and commitment," Nevin said.

"He is an attacking player who will complement a target man with his pace, desire and effort. He is what I would describe as a pest to defending players, in the mold of a Paul Dickov at Blackburn Rovers (now Manchester City).

"He is clearly still young but is a player of enormous potential and provides us with another attacking option."

Casey was delighted to have been offered the opportunity of A-League football and didn't take the commitment lightly.

"Paul and the Knights made a very professional and thorough approach and I am delighted to be given the chance at this level," he said.

"While I am still learning the game it is my intention to force my way into the starting lineup and back the manager's support in me.

"I thought about the move carefully and spoke with a number of people including Australian U23 coach Graham Arnold. His encouragement to sign with the Knights left me with no doubts and I am looking forward to a big season working with Paul Nevin, especially given his reputation at Fulham."

Casey has begun training immediately and is already impressing with his work ethic and keeness to learn from the coaching staff and senior players at the Knights.

- NZPA