Soccer: Knights unveil final signing

The NZ Knights have completed their 20-strong A-League squad with the signing of English central defender Matt Carbon today.

Knights manager Paul Nevin said Carbon, 31, had good credentials and he had been tracking the defender for some time.

"Matt is going to bring so much to this club from a playing point of view but also from an experience point of view.

"He is another in our squad to have experienced life in the English Premiership and provides great balance as a naturally left sided player."

Carbon most recently played for Barnsley in their successful League One campaign that saw them win promotion to the Championship league with a win over Swansea in the play off match earlier this year.

Carbon has played at Lincoln City, Derby County (Premiership), West Bromwich Albion (Premiership) and Walsall where he played alongside current Knights skipper Darren Bazeley.

"This is a new opportunity for me in my football career and one I am looking very much forward to," Carbon said.

"I know a number of players already in the A-League, some of them here at the Knights and know just how tough a competition it is already proving to be.

"At this stage of my career this is a great chance to take on a new challenge.

"I am looking forward to is ensuring that the Knights finish in a much higher position than last year and I am ready to roll the sleeves up in search of wins for the club."

Carbon began training on Monday but is unlikely to feature for the Knights against Perth on Friday night at North Harbour Stadium.

"It is important that Matt is given time to settle in and recover from the effects of his flight to New Zealand.

"I will assess things later in the week before making any decisions about his role on Friday night," Nevin said.

Knights squad:

Goalkeepers - Danny Milosevic, Michael Turnbull, Mark Paston.

Defenders - Gregory Duruz, Che Bunce, Frank van Eijs, Sime Kovacevic, Matt Carbon, Darren Bazeley.

Midfielders - Neil Emblen, Richard Johnson, Scot Gemmill, Jonas Salley, Malik Buari, Jonti Richter, Michael White.

Forwards - Dani Rodrigues, Sean Devine, Adam Casey, Noah Hickey.

- NZPA