New signing eager to ‘play his heart out’ for Sky Blues

New Sydney FC signing Reza Ghoochannejhad says his ability to deliver goals can help the club win a record-equalling fourth A-League title.

New Sydney FC player Reza Ghoochannejhad during a training run in Sydney yesterday, preparing for a possible debut tomorrow. Picture: AAP

New Sydney FC signing Reza Ghoochannejhad says his versatility and ability to deliver goals can help the club win a record-equalling fourth A-League title.

The Dutch-born forward arrived in Sydney earlier this week on loan from Cypriot side APOEL in a boost to manager Steve Corica’s attacking options ahead of the run-in to the finals and start of the Sky Blues’ Asian Champions League campaign.

The 31-year-old, who scored 16 goals in 44 games for Iran before retiring from international football in 2018, is in line to face Melbourne City tomorrow.

With 11 games left in the regular A-League season, Sydney are third on the ladder — five points behind leaders Perth Glory.

“I can’t wait to start, I’m here to win the A-League and we’re trying to do the best we can and get the best results in Asian Champions League,” he said.

“Both are important to us and I’m glad I can be a part of it and hope to help the team as much as I can. I’m going to play my heart out on the pitch and give everything for this club.”

Ghoochannejhad will be a useful addition to Corica’s squad, given his versatility across the frontline. And the forward is relishing the opportunity to link with the A-League’s joint topscorer Adam Le Fondre.

“I have played in several positions throughout my career,” he said.

“Personally, my best position is a No 9 — as a single striker. I can play on the wings or behind the striker, there are many options but that’s up to the coaches to decide.

“One of my strongest points is my combination, I like to link up, I like to get involved and I have a pretty good sense for scoring goals.

“I’m looking forward to work together with all my teammates. It’s great that Adam has had a great season so far and I hope we can get better and better.”

In this evening’s game, history suggests Melbourne Victory should stroll to success against Central Coast.

Victory haven’t lost in the past 16 fixtures against the Mariners — by some distance their longest-running streak against A-League opposition.

They’ve scored nine in their past two clashes with Central Coast, and you have to go back six years to the last occasion the Mariners beat Victory on home soil.

What’s more, the champions will arrive in Gosford after the luxury of a week off.

Kevin Muscat’s side have endured a spell of seven games in 30 days without key players Keisuke Honda and Georg Niedermeier.

The coach reflected on a haul of 14 points that’s kept them in touch with leaders Perth Glory — their opponents next Sunday in a genuine blockbuster.

“With the bodies we’ve had out, we’ve steadied the ship,” he told SEN.

“Now we look to getting back to a game a week and progressing with our performances.”

Niedermeier has been added to the squad for this week’s match, though returned loanee James Donachie has been made to wait.

Muscat praised two Victory soldiers for their contributions to the cause over the past month — Ola Toivonen and James Troisi.

“We’ve been blessed with some very good goalscorers over our existence … we’ve been able to appreciate the three different styles of Archie (Thompson), Bes (Berisha) and now Ola.

“We can certainly appreciate the way he goes about his trade.

“(Troisi) has worked terribly hard on his game and what we’re asking him to do within a structure.

“He’s gone on a rich vein of form … we’re very proud of him and very pleased he’s being rewarded by scoring goals and making a difference.”

During the same busy spell the Mariners snapped a 10-match losing streak against Melbourne City.

The underdogs can at least unveil new signing Jem Karacan, a former Turkish youth international who will debut after a switch from English football.

AAP