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Perth Glory boost squad, sign teenage international midfielder Keegan Jelacic for two A-League seasons

Nick TaylorThe West Australian
Keegan Jelacic is the latest signing in Ruben Zadkovich and Andy Keogh’s new rebuild.
Camera IconKeegan Jelacic is the latest signing in Ruben Zadkovich and Andy Keogh’s new rebuild. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Perth Glory have signed teenage attacking midfielder Keegan Jelacic from Brisbane Roar for the next two A-League seasons.

Glory’s head of recruitment, Andy Keogh, said Jelacic had “bags of potential”.

Jelacic, 19, who has been capped by New Zealand at under-17 level, was promoted from the Roar’s NPL academy side into their A-league squad last season.

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He has starred for Olympic in the NPL Queensland this year, scoring nine goals in 10 appearances.

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Jelacic said he was thrilled to be signing his first professional contract.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I’d love to play as much football as possible next season and contribute to the team as much as I can.”

Keogh said with the right development programme Jelacic would become a valuable asset to the club.

“His ability to go either way and glide past players is a fantastic attribute and we know there is a lot of improvement still in him,” Keogh said.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Daniel Stynes of the Glory and Keegan Jelacic of the Roar contest for the ball during the A-League match between the Perth Glory and the Brisbane Roar at HBF Park, on February 26, 2021, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Camera IconThe youngster has already been capped by his national team. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“Olympic FC must be given a lot of credit for getting him ready to make the step up into a professional environment again under the guidance of (coach) Ben Cahn.”

Cahn is confident that Jelacic can take the next step in his career.

“I’m delighted for Keegan,” Cahn said. “He’s worked exceptionally hard over the last six months to take his game to another level. “He’s got everything needed to succeed in the A-League, he’s got a great family behind him and I’m confident he’ll have a great impact at Perth Glory. “Keegan will certainly be missed at Olympic, but we’re very proud of the part we’ve played in his recent growth and we’re all excited to see him go on and achieve great things.”

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