Rose wants spot on national squad

FORMER Berserker star Josh Rose is heading back to Australia and gunning for a spot in the national squad.

Recently-appointed Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold has kicked off his A-League recruitment drive by signing Romanian-based defender Rose.

The 28-year-old will join the Mariners on a two-year deal from next season.

Rose has most recently been with top Romanian side Universitatea Craiova but previously played in Australia with the New Zealand Knights and Brisbane Strikers.

“Pim (Verbeek) has watched Josh closely over the last couple of years and he has impressed the entire national team coaching staff,” said Socceroos assistant Arnold, who will take over the Mariners coaching job from Lawrie McKinna after the World Cup.

“Josh is a very capable left-back and has done really well at what is a very high level in Romania.

“He’s strong and quick and he likes to get forward, so I think he will provide plenty of excitement for the fans, which is what we want at Bluetongue Stadium this season.”

In recent years the Mariners have been a frequent visitor to Rockhampton and the club has established a link with the Cougars.

While that was with previous coach Lawrie McKinna it is believed nothing has changed as McKinna remains with a role at the Mariners club.