Sydney FC has called in the cavalry to boost its injury depleted ranks, with the club today finalising a short-term deal with former Adelaide United striker, Dez Giraldi.

Sydney FC has called in the cavalry to boost its injury depleted ranks, with the club today finalising a short-term deal with former Adelaide United striker, Dez Giraldi.

Fresh from a stint with the Wollongong Wolves in the NSW Premier League, Giraldi has signed a six week contract to cover for the absence of injured attacker, Brendon Santalab; one of three Sydney strikers currently out of action for the club.

“When you take injury replacements you don-t bring in kids that you want to trial that you don-t know anything about,” said John Kosmina. “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 mentored 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 explained.

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.”

Kosmina added, “I brought Dezi in because he was available, but also because he-s a very good player, I rated him while I was in Adelaide, he-s had a bit of misfortune with injuries and things but now he-s got himself healthy and it-s a good opportunity for him.”

Giraldi is likely to make his debut for Sydney FC in Sunday-s Pre-Season Cup clash with the Central Coast Mariners.

The club is still considering short-term replacements for injured marquee star, John Aloisi and American midfielder, Mike Enfield.