Seventeen-year-old Birighitti’s arrival boosts The Reds’ already strong goalkeeping stocks, the West Australian joining Daniel Beltrame and Eugene Galekovic as United’s keepers for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season.

Adelaide United Coach Aurelio Vidmar is thrilled to have secured Birighitti to the club, saying he is one of Australia’s most promising young goal keepers.

He said: "He’s a pretty big boy for 17 years old, he’s a very agile keeper, he commands his box extremely well and he’s very impressive. We’re really thrilled to have him on our books.

“We were actually quite fortunate to grab him because he’s had numerous offers from overseas so we’re looking forward to his contribution in the upcoming season.”

Birighitti is currently based at the Australian Institute of Sport, having captained the Qantas Joeys in the past. Vidmar believes that despite Birighitti only being 17 years of age, he will put pressure on United’s other two more experienced shot stoppers.

“I have no doubt that he has potential to push both Daniel (Beltrame) and Eugene (Galekovic). Just by knowing him and seeing the way he approaches his game, I am sure there will be healthy competition right across the board,” Vidmar said.

Vidmar admits there is a risk in signing a third keeper, as it takes up another spot in the maximum 23 man squad, but he believes getting a player of Birighitti’s potential was too good to pass up.

He said: "In a way we are probably taking a little risk by bringing in a third goalkeeper, but we just feel this kid has got something special in him and we’re really excited about his addition.

“We’ve agreed to terms so we’re really looking forward to Mark joining us for pre-season training.”

South Australian football has a fine history of signing exceptional goal keepers from Perth and Vidmar says Birighitti has the ability to continue the trend.

“You can go back to Willy McNally, Robert Zabica and Jason Petkovic, who were all outstanding goalkeepers for this State having originated from Western Australia and we believe Mark has got that potential to rise to the top,” Vidmar said.

Birighitti joins Brazilian duo Alameo and Cristiano and young South Australian defender Daniel Mullen as The Reds’ new signings leading into the new season, taking United’s squad list to 20. Vidmar believes 27 year old striker Cristiano will provide a more than suitable replacement up front for the departing Bruce Djite.

Vidmar said: "We managed to get Cristiano and we think he’s got a lot to give. He’s still very young, he’s had ten years experience in Europe and I think he is going to be star.

“We know he is capable of scoring goals and if he’s fit, we think he is going to light up the Hyundai A-League.”

In another announcement today, a permanent super screen will be constructed at Hindmarsh Stadium. South Australian Government Minister for Sport & Recreation Michael Wright made the announcement this afternoon, with the new screen expected to be in place by January 2009.