Central Coast mariners have signed Melbourne Knights captain Tomislav Uskok for the remainder of the 2015-16 season.
The 24-year-old central defender initially arrived in NSW to join NPL side Sydney United 58, but has now signed his first professional contract after trialing with the Mariners and impressing coach Tony Walmsley.
“I'm excited, just looking forward to the challenge and getting started with the club,” Uskok said.
"I was at Melbourne Knights, I've been there for a few years now and grew up with that club and I captained them this year.
“I want to push myself towards a starting berth and go from there, I think I'm capable, that's what I'm here to do, I'm not here to make up numbers.
“I want to establish myself in the team and give back to the club for giving me an opportunity and as a team you want to progress into winning silverware and I want to be a part of that.”
“I'm very thankful, not many people look at NPL players but Tony's shown that he's willing to give people a go from the NPL with guys like Dan (Heffernan). For a semi-professional environment the standard of play is very good, there's definitely players in every team that are A-League level.
“The boys here are really good, I didn't know what to expect but everyone gets along really well from what I've seen.
“When you play football you want to play an attacking and attractive brand of football and I think that's what Tony's got going, as a footballer you want to play in an attacking team and I think the Central Coast is doing that at the moment.”