The Central Coast Mariners have snapped up Australian youth international Mario Shabow on a two-year deal.
The 20-year-old arrives in Gosford from derby rivals Newcastle Jets where he made just seven appearances for a total of 90 minutes in the A-League last season.
Shabow said he was looking for a fresh start on the Central Coast.
“I’m really excited to get started at the Mariners,” Shabow said.
“It was a tough season for me in regards to game time, so I am so motivated to get out there and show everyone what I’m capable of.
“This is a new challenge for me and that’s what I’m looking forward to. I want to work hard at training, be a consistent starting player and do everything I can to take the team forward.
“I’ve heard so many good things about the club and the Central Coast so I can’t wait to get there and meet all the boys.
“I’m ambitious, I’m very hard working and most importantly I’m a winner.”
Shabow was born in Baghdad and moved to Australia with his family at the age of six.
After impressing with the Western Sydney Wanderers Academy set up, he earned his maiden professional contract in 2016 when he was called into the club’s A-League outfit.
He went on to make two appearances in the A-League and one in the AFC Asian Champions League and has yet to establish himself in the topflight.
Mariners coach, Mike Mulvey said he is looking forward to working with the young attacker.
“Mario is an impressive young man,” Mulvey said.
“He is very determined to be a success as a football player and that desire is exactly what is required because we already know he has the talent.
“I look forward to seeing how he makes the most of this opportunity at the Mariners.
New signings Shabow, Matt Simon, Jack Clisby, Jonathan Aspropotamitis and Corey Gameiro will link up with their teammates in the coming weeks.
Central Coast Mariners Squad
Goalkeepers: Adam PEARCE, Ben KENNEDY
Defenders: Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS, Antony GOLEC, Jake McGING, Kye ROWLES, Jack CLISBY
Midfielders: Adam BERRY, Tom HIARIEJ, Jacob MELLING, Danny De SILVA, Mario SHABOW
Attackers: Andrew HOOLE, Connor PAIN, Corey GAMEIRO, Matt SIMON
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