Roar midfielder Matt McKay is delighted the club have secured the Brazilian's services for A-League season five.

As he prepared for tonight's Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait, McKay told au.fourfourtwo.com: "I think it's a great signing to be honest. He is an exciting, sharp little player - even smaller than Michael Zullo!"

Zullo is no giant at 170cm while Henrique measures just 165cm and weighs 65kgs.

However, McKay feels short in stature doesn't mean short in impact and he is expecting the new boy to cause full-backs big headaches when the new season gets underway in August.

"He was only here a short time at the end of last season but I think he has got great potential," said McKay.

The 23-year-old has signed a one-year deal after impressing the club's coaching staff in a four week trial.

McKay believes the Brazilian's capture can go a long way to filling the void created by Tahj Minniecon's exit to Gold Coast United.

Coach Frank Farina is impressed with the player's hunger to succeed in Australia. He is looking forward to welcoming back for the pre-season campaign.

He said: "It's a long pre-season and I think it's a good thing for him to settle into the new environment, new country, new culture. That, I think, is a real positive.

"It is difficult for foreign players to slot in, as I've said, but hopefully he can do that and contribute to what we want to achieve."

As for the player himself, he said: "I do believe I have more to show everyone, especially with a full pre-season under my belt."