Brisbane Roar have announced the signing of Melbourne Victory castoff Joey Katebian on a one-year deal on Friday evening.
Katebian has been searching for a new club since his release from Victory in May and has now found a home in Brisbane after an unsuccessful trial at Wellington Phoenix.
The 20-year-old striker enjoyed plenty of success in Victory’s National Premier League (NPL) side, scoring 33 goals, but was never able to establish a genuine breakthrough in the first team, making just one short cameo appearance against Central Coast Mariners last season.
The reigning Football Federation Victoria (FFV) Players’ Player of the Year says he is keen to model his game off Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren.
“I’m genuinely excited to be here and the focus is now to continue to develop as a footballer and getting game time,” Katebian said.
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“I’ve signed for the one year so I’m keen to show the club what I can do and hopefully extend that in the future. I want to play and model my game off Jamie (Maclaren) up front,” Katebian said.
“We have a number of really good players on the flanks to get the ball into us in the centre, and I’m really excited about playing alongside the boys.”
Brisbane boss John Aloisi, who worked with Katebian in Melbourne, believes he can bring out the player’s best.
“I know Joey [Katebian] from my time at [Melbourne] Victory and he’s a striker who definitely knows where the goal is,” Aloisi said.
“Over the coming season I believe he will show what he’s capable of doing and contribute to our team being successful.
“Joey is comfortable around the box and has scored a lot of goals at NPL level. He’s still young and I hope he can thrive in our environment and improve as a player.”
Katebian will be available for Brisbane’s FFA Cup round of 32 clash with Perth Glory at Ballymore Stadium on Wednesday.
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