Striker heads for Australia (original) (raw)

James Keatings is going on trial with Australian side Brisbane Roar.

The striker was released at the end of last season by Celtic without having made a first team appearance.

Roar boss Mike Mulvey is aware of Keatings’ prolific scoring record for the Celtic youth side and is keen to see if the 21-year-old can recapture the form that was stalled by injury.

Keatings was averaging two goals a game in the 2010/11 season when he was stuck down by a cruciate injury against Hamilton Accies.

Loan spells at St Johnstone and Hamilton never worked out with the striker returning to Celtic in January with his only goal for the u-20 side clinching the SPL title at Inverness in April.

The A-League resumes in October with the arrival of players like Alex del Pierro and Emile Heskey raising the profile in a country dominated by other sports.

Former Celt Liam Miller signed for Roar in May with Mulvey delighted by the arrival of the midfielder.

Announcing the signing the Roar boss said: “On behalf of the club, I’d like to welcome Liam to Brisbane and say we’re very excited to have him on board with us.

“I see Liam as a key piece to our midfield puzzle – he brings experience and poise and a good work ethic.

“I can’t wait to see how he combines with the talent we already have here at Brisbane Roar.”

Miller added: “I’m very happy to be joining a club with such a strong football culture both on and off the pitch.

“I know how proud and passionate Brisbane Roar fans are and I look forward to proving to them I am worthy of wearing this orange jersey.”

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