Newcastle have signed Socceroo David Carney for the remainder of the A-League season.
Carney has been without a club since being released in November from MLS side New York Red Bulls, where he played alongside Socceroo star Tim Cahill.
Carney, who was part of Australia’s 2010 World Cup campaign, earned the last of his 48 caps after being recently recalled to the Socceroos by sacked boss Holger Osieck for October’s 6-0 loss to France and 3-0 win over Canada.
Having recently stated his desire to play in back-to-back World Cups, Carney’s deal with the Jets continues the trend of overseas-based players returning to Australia in the hope of snaring a ticket to Brazil.
And while he was omitted in Ange Postecoglou’s first squad in November, he will now have the remainder of the season to impress under the Socceroos coach’s nose.
The versatile 30-year-old was one of the early stars of the A-League, impressing in his time with Sydney FC before heading to Europe, where he had spells in England, Holland, Spain and Uzbekistan.
Carney said he was excited to be playing again and was intent of helping the ninth-placed Jets in their late finals charge.
“I’ve got a lot of hunger to do well for this club and my main focus is to work hard and hopefully make a positive impact,” Carney said.
“I’ve had a little bit of a break since the MLS playoffs finished and now I’m ready to get back into it, help the team finish the season strongly and hopefully qualify for the finals.”
Newcastle’s coach Clayton Zane said the signing of Carney was a fantastic addition to Jets’ squad.
“He’s played at the highest level for club and country and he’ll bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team,” he said.
“You’re always looking for natural lefties and David’s a versatile footballer who can play anywhere down the left flank, which is great for the balance of our squad.”
Carney will commence training with his Newcastle teammates on Tuesday and could make his debut in the side’s home clash against wellington next Sunday.
The signing comes after a morale-boosting 2-2 draw against high-flying Western Sydney on Saturday night.
Adam Taggart snatched the leveller at the death in a frenetic finish to the match with Joel Griffiths red-carded just after the final whistle in a dramatic homecoming for the striker.
But having only managed two points from their past six games Zane has challenged his charges to use the momentum from their thrilling draw to push for a top-six spot.
“That’s just the start and if we want to make the six, that’s the bear minimum for us,” he said.
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