Ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against league-leaders Perth Glory, Sydney FC have locked down three key youngsters on Hyundai A-League deals.
The impressive Luke Ivanovic has been upgraded to a Hyundai A-League contract and will be a part of Steve Corica’s squad for the remainder of the 2018/19 Season.
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Meanwhile, goalkeeper Thomas Heward-Belle has extended his Hyundai A-League deal until the end of the 2019/20 campaign, while the contract of central defender Jacob Tratt has been extended until the end of the current season.
“I watched Luke with the youth team and he did really well so I wanted to give him the opportunity to train and play with the first grade,” Corica said.
“He has shown he can match it with them and now he’s got a contract. He’s very positive, very quick running with the ball and scores goals. He’s big and strong and I see a big future for him.
“Every time he has come on, he has done a good job and I am looking forward to seeing more of him this season.
“It’s very important for Tommy (Heward-Belle) to get a contract. We need three capable keepers during the Champions League period coming up.
“He’s a good keeper and JC (John Crawley) has worked and developed him over many years and he’s pushing for the second spot in goal now.
“I’m also very pleased for Jacob, he has been excellent since coming into the squad in terms of what he produces on the field and his attitude and commitment off it.
“He showed what a good player he is when he was called upon in the Sydney Derby and I look forward to watching him continue to fight for a starting place.”
Ivanovic signs following his impressive stints off the bench in recent weeks and his goalscoring prowess with the Foxtel Y-League side.
Heward-Belle makes the step up after applying himself extremely well as a train-on player, working daily with Head Goalkeeping Coach John Crawley and alongside Hyundai A-League glovesmen Andrew Redmayne and Alex Cisak.
Tratt, who scored his maiden goal for the club in Sydney FC’s 3-1 Sydney Derby win in December, has made a very good impression since returning for his second stint with the Sky Blues and will remain with the club as an injury replacement until the season is completed.
The squad additions continue Sydney FC’s January recruitment having already signed up midfielder Anthony Caceres on loan from Manchester City.
