Luckless Skapetis aims to open Roar door after injury hell

Former Australia youth international Peter Skapetis is to trial with Brisbane Roar as he seeks to reignite a career stymied by back-to-back anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Peter Skapetis Source: Getty Images

After six seasons in England, which included spells with Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City, the 22-year-old former South Melbourne junior is back on home soil and out to win a Roar deal for the 2017-2018 A-League season.

Skapetis looked to be on an upward trajectory when Mark Hughes signed him for the Potters in 2014.

But a ruptured ACL proved a significant setback, and his hopes of a breakthrough at the Britannia Stadium were cruelly crushed when lightning struck twice as he returned to action after the first rupture.

Skapetis went on to feature for Derby County's under-23's and was close to a deal at Championship club Cardiff City recently, but financial fair play rules intervened to deter Neil Warnock from signing him.

Renowned for his pace and power, Skapetis also had a stint with non-league Dover Athletic before opting to return home.

Having left for England at 16, Skapetis will now bid to force an A-League breakthrough, with John Aloisi having the first option for one of Australia's unluckiest youngsters.