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Sydney teen joins Reading

30 January 2007 | 07:45 - AAP

Promising Sydney teenager Oliver Bozanic has signed with English Premier League side Reading.

 

The 18-year-old, who played with Central Coast Mariners in the A-League pre-season, signed a contract with English club until 2009.

The left-sided midfielder captained the Australian under-17 side last year and was recently named in the 2008 Olympic training squad.

He trialled with Reading more than two years ago and was delighted to have finally secured a contract.

"I'm very excited, I can't wait to get started," Bozanic told the club's website.

"It's been a long time coming and I can't wait to get out there and get playing. I've been back and forth a few times, I've finally got it sorted and I'm looking forward to getting started."

The club's Director of Football Nick Hammond said: "We are very pleased to have signed Oliver."

"He is a really gifted left-foot player, an Australian youth international and he's already spent a large amount of time with us in the last couple of years."

"We've been trying hard to identify really talented players, both on our door step and abroad, because there are good opportunities and value for money."

Bozanic was signed by Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna in July on a short-term contract to boost injury-burdened side in the pre-season but his stint did not extend into the regular season.

He is the son of former Socceroo defender Vic Bozanic, who made four appearances and netted two goals for Australia at the 1980 OFC Nations Cup in New Caledonia.

Bozanic Jr was a cornerstone member of the Blacktown City Demons' charge towards the 2004/05 NSW Premier League finals series.

Newly-promoted Reading has exceeded expectations this season and has practically secured its survival in the Premier League, currently sitting seventh.

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