Canberra United has landed a major recruitment coup a week before the start of the W-League season, luring Irish international Denise O'Sullivan to the capital for their rebuilding charge.
O'Sullivan will be Canberra's guest player this year, which limits her to seven games during her stint in Australia.
The 24-year-old has played 60 internationals for Ireland and helped the North Carolina Courage win the National Women's Soccer League in the United States.
She was also named the Courage most valuable player this season and is a two-time NWSL winner.
"I'm really excited to have signed for Canberra United," O'Sullivan said.
"I have heard great things about the club from players who have been here in the past and I am
looking forward to the experience.
"Speaking to Heather before my arrival I got a really good feel for the club and am confident it
will be a good fit for me, and I’ve heard plenty of good things about Canberra as a place to live
too."
Canberra coach Heather Garriock has recruited some star power to help with her roster rebuild, with O'Sullivan to join Scottish international Rachel Corsie for the W-League campaign.
"It is great to have Denise in town ahead of the season and she is already making an impact in training," Garriock said.
"She has already proven herself both in the NWSL and at international level so for her to be in
Canberra as our guest player this season is great for our team.
"For a 24-year old her list of accolades is brilliant, and to be voted the MVP of a title winning
team in the NWSL tells you all you need to know.
"To have a player of Denise’s calibre at Canberra United is so important. Her work ethic, winning mentality and leadership qualities will be crucial for us, she has exception skill and vision and I am sure that she will be a fan favourite."
O'Sullivan, who has been playing for Ireland since she was 17, arrived in Canberra this week to start preparations for the season, with United to start their season against Melbourne City at McKellar on October 28.
"This season has been amazing with the Courage, and I’m hoping to bring my form and continue it here, and to test myself in another major league," O'Sullivan said.
"I’ve played with and against some of the best players in the world and have learnt a lot from top coaches, and I’m excited to bring those experiences to Canberra and make an impact while also learning more from new people in the W-League."
CANBERRA UNITED'S DRAW (home games in bold)
October 28: Canberra United v Melbourne City at McKellar, 4pm
November 4: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar, 4pm
November 17: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at Newcastle, 7.30pm
November 22: Adelaide United v Canberra United at Coopers Stadium, 7.30pm
December 2: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar, 4pm
December 7: Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United at Spotless Stadium, 5.20pm
December 22: Melbourne City v Canberra United at AAMI Park, 5pm
December 27: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at McKellar, 7.30pm
January 3: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens, 8.30pm
January 13: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 4pm
January 17: Canberra United v Melbourne Victory at Seiffert Oval, 7.30pm
January 25: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United at Suncorp Stadium, 5.20pm
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