A series of impressive performances during Perth Glory’s recent pre-season trip to Malaysia has secured NSW midfielder Mitchell Prentice a contract with the club for the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season.

Prentice, who trained with Perth earlier this year, was invited on the Malaysian trip by Coach Ron Smith who was keen to see him perform under match conditions. 

“Mitchell had been recommended to me by several people and once given the opportunity he made the most of it with some impressive displays in Malaysia,” said Smith.

“I’ve been looking for another player who can fill a variety of roles for us and Mitchell definitely fits that bill,” he added. 

An Australian Institute of Sport graduate, Prentice played with Northern Spirit and Marconi in the NSL before trying his luck overseas where he had short stints with Scottish club Stirling Albion and most recently with Malaysian Super League side Pahang.

“Securing a Hyundai A-League contract is something I have worked really hard for and I can’t wait to join the team and hopefully enjoy a good consistent season,” Prentice said.

“Perth Glory is on the way up and to be able to play under the guidance of two coaches who have done so much for football in this country is fantastic,” Prentice said.

Both Smith and Glory Assistant Coach Dave Mitchell have followed the career of Prentice for some time with Mitchell having pursued the midfielders’ signature in 2001 when coach of Parramatta Power.

Having received his clearance to play, the 24 year old will get amongst the action in Perth’s round one pre-season cup match against Newcastle in Port Macquarie tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s terrific to have Mitchell available for this match particularly in light of our current situation with several of our lads suffering the flu or battling niggling injuries,” Smith said.

“Mitchell showed he was comfortable with our set-ups in Malaysia and I have full confidence that he’ll be able to step-in tomorrow and play a role for us against the Jets,” Smith said.

Perth currently has 22 contracted players for the 2007/08 season including goal keeper Tommi Tomich who is on an injury replacement contract for Jason Petkovic.

PROFILE

Mitchell Prentice

Born: 02/03/1983 (24 yrs)

Career: Australian Institute of Sport 2000/01, Northern Spirit (NSL) 2001 – 2003, Marconi (NSL) 2003/04, Stirling Albion 2004, Central Coast (NSW Premier League) 2005, Pahang (Malaysian Super League) 2006