Newcastle Jets have confirmed the signing of Australia U-23 defender Connor O’Toole after he was released by Brisbane Roar.
O’Toole, who was part of the Australian squad that finished third at the recent AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand, has inked an 18-month deal with the Hunter club.
“I’m really pleased to have signed with Newcastle for the rest of this season and for next,” O’Toole said on the Jets’ official website.
“Being away with the Olyroos and now having the Olympics coming up at the end of the season, I really want to put my best foot forward for a spot in that squad.
“I think that being in Newcastle, in a new environment will help me push myself and bring out my best football.”
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The 22-year-old made 31 appearances for Roar after making his Hyundai A-League debut in November 2017.
O’Toole will hope to slot straight into the Jets side as he aims to push his case to be a part of Graham Arnold’s Olyroos squad for this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
And he could slot straight into the squad for Saturday’s home clash with Western United FC, should he pass his medical.
“Connor is a young defender, with plenty of talent and even more potential,” Jets Football Operations Manager Joel Griffiths said.
We've added a Young Socceroo to our ranks! Welcome to Newcastle, Connor 💪 #MadeOfNewcastle
📰 https://t.co/vfThyKhzj1 pic.twitter.com/mYQBGripeP
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) January 27, 2020
“He’s highly rated by the Australian youth coaching set-up, and we’ve seen his ability on show in the Hyundai A-League for a few seasons now.
“The club sees Connor as a long-term player in Newcastle and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can produce on the pitch.”
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