The 18 year-old right-back impressed for Sydney Olympic this season while deputising for fellow A-League recruit Shannon Cole and cemented his place as a key member of their first-team squad.

His performances attracted the interest of Central Coast and after a short trial with the club, the young starlet agreed to sign a youth contract.

“I had been trialling with the Central Coast for a couple of weeks before I signed up for the youth team.” Sherlock said. “I feel quite comfortable with the Mariners, they’ve been quite good to me.”

Sherlock said the promise of regular football was one of the main reasons he signed for the A-League club but also maintained his priority was to win trophies at Sydney Olympic whilst he remains at the club for the Tiger Turf Cup Final and Telechoice Championship Series.

“The Mariners obviously offer regular training sessions with the youth team and I’ve had positive feedback from the coaching staff,” the 18 year-old said.

“My main aim now is to finish the season with Olympic on a high and to go as far as we can.

“100% effort still goes towards Olympic because there’s still a job to be done, I’m totally committed.”

The irony of Shannon Cole’s injury serving as the catalyst for Sherlock’s meteoric rise this season is not lost on the youngster, who admits that he took his opportunity without hesitation.

“Shannon’s injury is just part of football," he said. “I was given my opportunity and I made the most of it and I thank Milan Blagojevic and everyone at Sydney Olympic who helped me on my way.”

Sherlock also emphasised the impact his team-mate has had at the club.

“I think Shannon is a great player and I think he’s helped a lot of players at the club develop with his experience and now just playing behind him, I realise there isn’t much of a replacement for him.”

The former NSWIS graduate also took time out to thank Sydney Olympic for their role in his development this season.

“Sydney Olympic have been great for me this year, it has been a great experience,” Sherlock said.

“Not only with Milan Blagojevic, but with all the coaching staff, including Manny Spanoudakis, Danny Silvestri, Craig Duncan, Chris Trevors, Pat Rando and all the players, who have been great mentors – particularly the likes of Peter Zorbas and Mirko Jurilj.

“I think it would be awesome to finish on a winning note at Olympic, not just for myself, but for all of the players at the club and the coaching staff.

“Getting trophies has been our goal this year.”