Younis touched down from Sydney yesterday, having finished his commitments with his former club Apia Leichhardt Tigers.

The 22 year old, who celebrates his 23rd birthday a week today, ended the NSW Premier League as top scorer, netting 21 goals from as many matches, four of them coming in his final game with the Tigers as he single-handedly led the club to a 4-3 win.

Younis was on Sydney FC’s radar to be offered a short term contract, however United Coach Aurelio Vidmar secured him to The Reds on a two year deal.

“It’s something I have always dreamt of and luckily enough it came about and I snapped it up with two hands,” Younis said at the team’s recovery session.

Having signed for the next two seasons, Younis took part in the Reds’
internal trial match last night and has set his sights on making a significant impact in his first Hyundai A-League Season.

“I have high expectations on myself. I try to set realistic goals and hopefully I will be given the opportunity,” Younis said.

“I’m not here just to fill in the numbers. I’m hopefully going to cement a place in the squad, score a few goals for the team and win some games.”

The Sydneysider impressed Vidmar prior to his signing, scoring a goal and winning a penalty in United’s trial match against local Super League club Para Hills three weeks ago.

He has scored 63 goals in 71 appearances in the NSW Premier League, and is hoping to take this rich form up a level into the Hyundai A-League.

“It’s going to be a huge step so I’m going to have to be on my toes, work hard at training and fingers crossed it all comes together,” Younis said.

Younis joins Paul Agostino and Brazilian marksman Cristiano as United’s main strike force this season, and with Agostino back to full training and Cristiano showing ominous form in the Pre-Season Cup, the Reds hope to have the firepower to prove dangerous come next weekend’s opening round of the Hyundai A-League.

Adelaide United FC will take on Perth Glory in Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season on Sunday, 17 August 2008 at Hindmarsh Stadium (Kick-Off 4.30pm ACST).


Robert YOUNIS
Number 11
Born 14 August 1985
Position Striker
Height 186cm
Weight 83kg
Nationality Australian


Club History
2007-2008 Apia Leichhardt Tigers (NSW Premier League)
2006 Fairfield City Lions (NSW Winter Super League)


Additional Information
2008 Leading goal scorer in NSW Premier League (21 goals in 21 games)
2007 Won Golden Boot Award in the Johnny Warren Cup (3 goals in four
games)
2006 Second leading goal scorer in NSW Winter Super League (15 goals in
16 games)
2006 Trialled in Turkey with Premier League club Denizili
2003 Won a scholarship to trial with English Premier League club Liverpool
2003 Member of Australian Schoolboys squad