Nick Fitzgerald back to the Mariners

Fitzgerald, 20, made one appearance for the Mariners in the 2009/10 A-League campaign, and is a former National Youth League player with Central Coast.

Having spent the past two seasons in Queensland, Fitzgerald has decided the time is right to commit to the yellow and navy to further his career under the guidance of Graham Arnold and his staff.

“The most important thing for me is to be playing regular, high quality football,” Fitzgerald said. “After some recent discussions with Graham Arnold, I am confident that I will be given that opportunity at the Mariners.”

Fitzgerald was a regular contributor in Brisbane’s 2011/12 season, but has found game time harder to come by this campaign.

But the Mariners believe the attacking ace is one of Australia’s emerging young stars and Arnold says the Australian youth international will slot seamlessly into his squad.

“With Nick we know exactly what we are going to get,” Arnold said. “He is a player of enormous potential.”

“We believe we can help Nick take his game to the next level and for us he ticks all of the boxes when we look to sign a player.

"He’s a good, Australian kid with great ability, but perhaps more importantly he’s driven to succeed in his professional career.”

Central Coast Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull also welcomed Fitzgerald back to the club.

“Everyone at the Mariners is excited that Nick Fitzgerald is coming back to the club,” Turnbull said.

“Undoubtedly he has learnt a lot in his time at Brisbane Roar under Ange Postecoglou, Rado Vidosic and Mike Mulvey, and we look forward to him wearing the Central Coast kit again next season under Graham Arnold.

"We are always keen to give young Aussie players opportunities and Nick actually started with us, so it is good to get him home."