Southern striker out

Southern United will have to do without the services of injured Irishman Andy Mulligan this season.

Mulligan injured his knee in Southern United’s pre-season fixture against Canterbury United in Timaru earlier this month and was expected to play a crucial part in the Paul O’Reilly-coached team this season, in the absence of countryman Eric Molloy who moved to Team Wellington.

The 22-player Premiership squad for the 2017/18 season includes just 10 players who ply their trade in the Football South Premier League, with 11 returning faces from last season.

With a couple of squad spots still open, coach Paul O’Reilly has made it clear that he is still on the lookout to recruit players to strengthen his team.

Some other newcomers to the squad include Nelson Suburbs pair Omar Guardiola and Kristian Gibson, Auckland Bay Olympic’s Niklas Ordenewitz, Papua New Guinea international Roland Bala from Miramar Rangers and Aidan Barbour-Ryan from Selwyn United.

Experienced locals Morgan Day and Tom Connor return for another season, along with four former League of Ireland players. who will be joined by Limerick FC striker Garbhan Goughlan this season. The squad also includes three scholarship recipients in Alex Cox, Jack Pirie, and Ben Wade.

outhland United’s player Hayato Wakino has left the squad after initially being named in a preliminary squad.

Sunday’s national football league opener against Auckland City FC kicks off at 2pm in Dunedin.