The 36 year old left back had been expected to fly into the harbour city on Friday for a week-long trial with Sydney.

He was tipped to sign a season-long contract as a replacement for crocked US midfielder Mikey Enfield who has been ruled with a knee injury.

But Cheltenham have now revealed the former Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa star has signed up with them.

"[Wright] has signed non-contract forms and will make his debut for the Robins in tomorrow night's (October 9) Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round match at Swindon Town," a statement on Cheltenham's website revealed.

However he has left the door open for a Sydney move by signing up to Cheltenham on a game by game basis.

The website added: "He has joined Cheltenham Town on a non-contract basis as he has also received an offer to play abroad."

But as Wright was released by Sheffield United after a loan spell with Nottingham Forest and will now appear for Cheltenham, he could be limited in any further move under complex FIFA regulations restricting the number of clubs a player can be registered with and appear for within a set timeframe.

Between July 1 and June 30, a player can only be registered with a maximum of three clubs, and appear only for two.

Providing his last contracts expired on June 30 or earlier and he hasn't played for any other clubs though, Wright should still be clear to join Sydney if he terminates his arrangement with Cheltenham in time.

Wright was drafted in to the Robins side after the club faced an injury and suspension crisis ahead of their Swindon match.

"Alan is a very good player and his career record speaks for itself," said Cheltenham's caretaker manager, Keith Downing.

"He will bring quality and experience to the team and I have received good reports on his character that suggest he will fit in with the way we do things.

"Alan has been training with Sheffield United and has kept himself very fit. He just wants to play some football now so it's a good move for all concerned."

Downing explained that the arrangement is an open-ended one and that his arrival will hopefully provide some time for other players to return to action.

"Alan has signed non-contract because he wants to keep his options open," Downing said.

"He is considering an offer to play abroad but at the moment we are helping each other out and we'll see where we get to in a couple of weeks."

He added: "At the moment I can't think much further ahead than the next game but Alan will be a quality addition to the squad.

"He is an experienced left-back who can get forward and has excellent distribution."

Wright began his career with Blackpool and joined Blackburn Rovers for $1million in 1991. He moved to Aston Villa for $2.5million shortly before Rovers were crowned Premiership champions in 1995 and went on to make over 300 first team appearances for Villa, collecting a League Cup winners medal in 1996.

He subsequently played for Middlesbrough and most recently Sheffield United. While at Bramall Lane he ventured out for loan spells with Derby County, Leeds United, Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers and, at the end of last season, Nottingham Forest.