The Mariners confirmed on Friday night they had released Asdrubal due to homesickness, leaving the club with a vacancy to fill up front.

Asdrubal netted two goals in 11 appearances this season and his exit opens up a visa spot for Okon.

The Central Coast boss said the club were looking to bring in a new forward but conceded there were challenges.

"We're trying. At this time of the year it's the position that's hardest to fill," Okon said.

"Everyone wants a number nine that scores goals. If you look around there aren't too many that are fit, scoring and free and available to come and make an impact."

Okon added that the Mariners wouldn't necessarily replace Asdrubal if they can't find the right player, backing forward options such as Blake Powell, Kwabena Appiah and new signing Peter Skapetis.

"We dont want to bring in someone for the sake of it," he said.

"We have players who can play up top. We'll try and do every possible. That's what we are doing.

"It has to be that it can make adiffernece. If not, we'll move forward with what we've got.

"It won't faze us. we have belief we have people who can score, it's a matter of doing it which seems easy from the stands."