The Brazilian, whose full nameis Andre Luiz Rodigues Lopes, has joined his new team mates in South Africa as a replacement for the injured Victor Sikora.

The former Dutch international has again been forced onto the sidelines and placed on the long term injury list.

"It's a real shame because Victor is an exciting player, a player who can change games," Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said. "Andrezinho is actually a player we tried to get last season.

"We kept tabs on him and are now delighted to have him at Perth Glory.

The 26-year-old, is a left footed, attacking midfielder who can play wide on the left or right, and  represented Brazil six times at U-20 level in 2004.

Andrezinho has recently been playing in Japan with Consadole Sapporo and in China with Liaoning Hongyun.

Ferguson added: "He's a player with pace.

"He's exciting and direct and exactly what i have been looking for."

Chris Coyne agrees with the coach, having playing with Andrezinho at Liaoning.

"Andre is an excellent signing," Coyne said. "He's positive, quick and has a bag of tricks.

"He'll entertain the fans just like he did when we played together in China."

Andrezinho will begin training with his team mates today.