Former Bundesliga midfielder, Perchtold, has completed the paperwork to make him a Gold Coast United player for the remainder of this season plus two seasons beyond, but United fans may have to wait until Saturday’s free entry game against Newcastle Jets before they see him in action.

Having penned the two and a half year deal the 26-year-old ex-Nuremburg midfielder is now waiting on his work permit to be approved, but time is against United for Wednesday’s trip to Melbourne Heart.

Saturday’s the free-entry game to aid the flood relief appeal is set to be a blockbuster with almost 10,000 tickets snapped up already, but now Gold Coast fans have an added incentive with Perchtold set to be unveiled for his debut against the Jets.

“We’ve done all the football paperwork with Peter and we’re all pleased to have secured him for the next couple of years,” said Head Coach Miron Bleiberg.

“Now it’s just a matter of the work permit and we made the application last week so it shouldn’t be too far away now. There may still be a chance that he will be okay for Wednesday but we’re not banking on it.

“Peter is a confident player and will definitely add something to our team. We’re delighted that he’s here and looking forward to having him in the side.

“On Saturday we have the free entry game to help with the flood relief appeal and it would be nice to get over 20,000 people there to show support to those who have suffered. If we can get a big crowd, put some smiles back on people’s face for a few hours and raise some money, then it will be mission accomplished.”

Gold Coast eased past North Queensland Fury on Friday night, recording a comfortable 4-0 win, and Bleiberg says although his side wasn’t at their best for the whole ninety minutes, the result was a morale boost as they move towards a crammed fixture schedule.

“The win on Friday came at the right time and gives us some confidence going into the Heart game on Wednesday and of course the big one on Saturday against Newcastle,” he said.

“Mentally it was important for us and we need to build on that, but Melbourne Heart also have plenty of reasons to do well so we’re expecting a tough game once again.

“From now until the end of the season all games will be tough because everyone has something to play for in this league.”

Also due to land on the Gold Coast is Korean import Sung-Kil Kim, the short-term injury replacement player for Brazilian midfielder Robson. Kim is also waiting on his work permit and is unlikely to feature in Wednesday’s match.