North Queensland Fury coach Ian Ferguson is singing the praises of the club’s two newest recruits ahead of next week’s Hyundai A-League season opener against Sydney.
The fledgling club has inked deals with defenders Jack Hingert and Karl Dodd to all but finalise its inaugural squad.
North Queensland now has 23 players on its roster and is currently trialing Dutch forward Dyron Daal in a bid to fill the final overseas spot.
Injuries to key defenders Scott Wilson (foot) and Jacob Timpano (hamstring) could see the newest arrivals pushing for selection in next Saturday’s Round 1 clash with the Sky Blues at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
The Fury plucked English-born Hingert, now an Australian citizen, from Victorian Premier League side Dandenong. He played three pre-season games and impressed enough to earn a contract.
“It’s been my dream ever since I was young to play football professionally … and now I’ve got that one step closer and hopefully I can keep going on for as long as I can and build my way up to the very top.” Hingert said.
Ferguson said early signs show the youngster’s Qantas Socceroos aspirations aren’t beyond him.
“He’s more an elegant player … for an 18-year-old he’s done a fantastic job for us, he doesn’t panic, gets up and down the line and when the challenges are there to be won he’ll do it,” he said.
“He’s got a lot to offer us, especially at full-back, I think if we can get a hold of him and get him in the team, he can only excel.”
Hingert has been living in Australia for five years but admits playing alongside Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has him reminiscing of his homeland.
“I support Chelsea but obviously, when he was playing for England we were always behind him and he’s been a superstar,” he said.
“It’s unbelievable. I never, ever thought I’d end up playing with Robbie Fowler … it’s amazing.”
Twenty-eight year old Dodd brings experience to the Fury, having played for Hyundai A-league clubs the Queensland Roar and Wellington Phoenix, Scottish Premier League side Falkirk and most recently NSW Premier League team Sydney United.
“I got a few reports on him saying he was doing very well and had a chat with the boy and before you know it, he was up here and now he’s signed for us, so it’s been like a rollercoaster ride for him,” Ferguson said.
“Dodd’s a big, physical, no nonsense type player. He can play, he’s good with the ball, moves it well … he’s got a little bit about him, which I’m pleased with.”
The centre back is looking to reinvent his football career in the North.
“I spoke to a few teams … but for me basically, I want to be happy and enjoy my football so I’m not going to sign somewhere that I’m not going to enjoy and that I don’t want to be a part of,” Dodd said.
