After making history in the Australia Cup, Sydney FC have signed Sydney United captain Adrian Vlastelica as an injury replacement for injured skipper Alex Wilkinson.
With Wilkinson sidelined, Sydney have turned to Vlastelica, who has earned his first professional Isuzu UTE A-League contract on a three-month deal, having sensationally guided NPLM NSW outfit Sydney United to last month’s Australia Cup final.
Former Central Coast Mariners youth player Vlastelica, 27, became the first NPL captain to lead his club to the Australia cup decider, which Sydney United lost to Macarthur FC.
“It’s a privilege to earn my first professional contract at Sydney FC, and I’m determined to help continue our good start to the season,” he said.
“I’ve been training with the club for the past few weeks and feel like I’m up to speed.
“I want to keep up the high standards they set here and put pressure on the boys for
a place in the team.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of my first A-League campaign.”
Wilkinson is expected to be out of action until the New Year after undergoing groin surgery.
It means Vlastelica goes straight into the squad for Sunday’s Round 5 trip to Brisbane Roar.
“It’s extremely hard to bring in quality players who are up to speed and are free
agents outside of the transfer window; so I’m delighted Adrian is available and ready to go,” said Sydney head coach Steve Corica.
“He’s a winner, a natural leader, a very good defender and showed in the Australia Cup he can match it at this level. He will give us great competition in the back four.”
On Wilkinson, Corica added: “It’s unfortunate to lose Alex in the first game but after a number of consultations with the specialist it was decided surgery would produce the best outcome for him.
“He will still be around leading the squad in the meantime and will be a valuable
fresh addition for us in the second half of the season.
“I’ve been very happy with the way [Luke Brattan] Brattsy has taken on the armband and how Gurdy has stepped into defence to ensure seven out of the last nine points.”
