Aussie hero Aziz a real steal for my United plan
JACK ROSS reckons it is a real coup for Dundee United to have landed World Cup-bound Aziz Behich.
The 31-year-old, who helped Australia qualify for Qatar, has signed a two-year deal.
Ross was delighted to add quality in the left-back area, bringing him in on a free in the wake of his departure from Turkish side Giresunspor.
Behich played at the last World Cup and helped the Socceroos become Asian Cup champions in 2015.
United boss Ross said: “Aziz will help bring us that depth we have been looking for.
“He has played a number of games for Australia, a lot of big games, and he will be going to the World Cup so he has undoubted quality.
“He’s been at a good level in Europe, playing in Holland and Turkey. He’s a very good player.
“He will give us competition in that area of the pitch and will also bring a lot of speed to the team as well.
“So we are looking forward to working with him and I believe he’s a player who will really enhance the squad.
“It’s a real coup for us to get a player of his calibre and experience to the club. It is testament to the recruitment team for getting him here.”
Behich, who has 52 caps and also played for PSV, follows fellow Aussie Mark Birighitti into Tannadice this summer.
Ross said: “In all our talks with him he’s shown real desire to come here. He has a huge hunger for the game and the fans will enjoy watching him.
“He’s got a bit of character about him and the Scottish game will suit him. One of the traits we were looking to add to the squad was speed and energy. Aziz will bring that.
“A lot of credit has to go to our recruitment team in recognising the need to add quality to our ranks to build on last season’s achievements.
“We’ve been patient, worked hard on recruitment and I’ve been well supported in trying to bring the right players in.”