Perth Glory have made their second signing of the week with experienced Socceroos midfielder Neil Kilkenny putting pen to paper following a season-and-a-half stint at Melbourne City.
The 32-year-old’s arrival follows that of Dino Djulbic whose return to the club was confirmed on Tuesday.
A versatile, industrious and uncompromising performer who also boasts a fine range of passing, Kilkenny has spent almost his entire career to date in England where, after coming through the youth ranks at Arsenal, he played for Oldham Athletic (on loan), Birmingham City, Leeds United, Bristol City and Preston North End.
He made a total of almost 350 first-team appearances in British football before joining Melbourne City in 2016 and claiming their Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year awards at the end of his first season with the club.
At international level, meanwhile, he currently has 14 Socceroos caps to his name and featured in the 2011 Asian Cup Final against Japan.
Having flown into Perth on Wednesday evening, the man who was born in Enfield, England cannot wait to get back into action.
“I’m excited to have joined the club and am really keen to make the most of this opportunity,” he said.
“We have a strong squad here and I’m looking forward to doing my bit to help drive us into the finals.
“That’s the aim and I’m confident that we can achieve it.”
Glory’s Head of Football, Jacob Burns, believes that Kilkenny will prove an excellent addition to the squad.
“Neil has a wealth of experience and a winning mentality which will prove hugely beneficial for the whole playing group,” he said.
“He will have a vital role to play in the midfield engine-room and can also slot in at centre-back if required which is another major plus.
“A number of other clubs both in Australia and overseas were keen to sign him, so we’re delighted that we managed to beat off the competition and get him on board.”
Kilkenny’s deal runs through to the end of the current campaign and he will wear the number 88 shirt.
Head Coach Kenny Lowe has confirmed that the new recruit could come into his selection plans for Sunday’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at nib Stadium.
Dino Djulbic is back for more Glory, read all about it HERE.
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