VETERAN defender Jade North will spend at least another A-League season with Brisbane after signing a one-year contract extension.
The 35-year-old Roar vice-captain and former Socceroo has been rewarded for an excellent season, in which he’s played all but one game.
“Jade is in great shape and importantly, playing consistent football,” football director Craig Moore said.
“He’s a great example to our younger players and an educator of our culture.” North’s retention is a nugget of good news as coach John Aloisi prepares for Tuesday night’s Asian Champions League opener with heavily depleted stocks.
Left-back Corey Brown (hamstring) is sidelined for three weeks while Daniel Bowles (knee) is out for the rest of 2017, new recruit Avraam Papadopoulos is deemed not yet ready and Jack Hingert (ankle) remains doubtful for the clash against Thai champions Muangthong United at Suncorp Stadium.
Diego Castro of the Perth Glory and Jade North (R).Source:AAP
On top of that, midfielder Thomas Kristensen withdrew during the warm-up of Saturday’s frustrating 2-2 draw in Perth with a hamstring issue. Matt McKay is also under an injury cloud after playing out the game despite suffering a virus and broken nose.
Aloisi will keep faith in his youngsters after 17-year-old winger-turned- fullback Dane Ingham scored in his second A-League game, having been thrust into the line-up following Kristensen’s 11th-hour exit.
“I’m confident in the young boys and the players that do play that they’ll do a good job,” Aloisi said.
Originally published as Done deal: Roar re-sign club stalwart
