Shannon Brady signs with Gold Coast Knights while co-captain Andrew Barisic departs

THE Gold Coast Knights could unleash their new star signing as early as Saturday’s NPL derby against Gold Coast United, but a club favourite’s career at the Croatian Sports Centre is over.

THE Gold Coast Knights could unleash star signing Shannon Brady as early as Saturday’s NPL derby against Gold Coast United, but favourite son Andrew Barisic’s career at the club is over.

Released by Brisbane Roar on Monday, Brady has been snapped up by the Knights as a short-term injury replacement for injured defender Eoghan Murphy.

The 22-year-old winger made 15 A-League appearances for the Roar after joining the club in 2014, but had played just once in the top flight this season, spending three games with the Roar Youth in the NPL.

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His arrival follows the exit of former A-League striker Barisic, who was named Knights co-captain alongside Sam Smith at the start of the season.

An ankle problem had plagued the 32-year-old in recent times, undergoing a second round of surgery following the Knights’ Gold Coast Premier League grand final win last September.

Shannon Brady (right) in action for the Roar in 2017. Picture: Jono Searle

While he declined to comment on his exit, Barisic said he was back to full fitness and exploring his playing options – a different view from that of Knights chief executive Adem Poric.

“Barra’s ankle hasn’t healed the way everyone was hoping it would and he’s made the decision to give it a rest this season,” Poric said.

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“He’ll take the whole season off and maybe try and push again next year. We wish him all the best and we’re in contact with him all the time.

“Obviously we like having him around, he’s the club captain and everyone still looks to him as that role.”

Andrew Barisic has left the Knights.

Poric said Brady, a former Australian under-20s representative, would be a valuable addition to the squad.

“He’ll be coming on as an injury replacement for Eoghan to start off with. (Eoghan’s) out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury so by the time he gets back we’ll make a decision on what we do with Shannon.” Poric said.

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“He’s a Knights junior as well so it’s good to get him back into the club. It’s unfortunate for him that he hasn’t progressed in his A-League career but coming down, sometimes it’s a step backwards to go forwards again.

“He’s coming into a team that’s going to be pushing to win the league.”