Sydney FC has finalised a short-term deal with former Adelaide striker Dez Giraldi as the club looks for solutions to an injury crisis in its attack.
Fresh from a stint with the Wollongong Wolves in the NSW Premier League, Giraldi has signed a six week contract to cover for injured attacker, Brendon Santalab, one of three Sydney strikers currently out of action.
"When you take injury replacements, then you don't bring in kids that ... that you don't know anything about," said coach John Kosmina on Friday.
"You want to replace a like for like preferably, and Santa's got a bit of experience, so does Dezi."
The move to Sydney FC will see Giraldi re-unite with former coach, Kosmina, who coached the Illawarra product during his time at Adelaide.
"It makes the transition a little bit easier because, knowing the coaches and some of the players, so I wasn't as nervous coming in," Giraldi said.
While he's only on a short-term contract, the 22-year-old is excited to have another crack at the Hyundai A-League, and keen to make the most of his time with Sydney.
"It's my turn to have a change of luck, I've had such bad luck in the last two years, I guess this is my turn and I'll try and make the most of that, fingers crossed," he said.
Giraldi is likely to make his Sydney debut in Sunday's Pre-Season Cup clash with Central Coast but the club is still considering other short-term replacements for injured star, John Aloisi and American midfielder, Mike Enfield.