Mariners move for Ingham as Pain heads for exit

New Zealand international Jai Ingham is on his way to Central Coast Mariners next season, as the club seals a replacement for the exiting Connor Pain.

Connor Pain, left, and Jai Ingham Source: Getty Images

Ingham, 25, has been barely sighted at Melbourne Victory this season - the winger making just four A-League appearances, three of those off the bench.

The off-contract Kiwi, who has four caps, was a 77th minute replacement for Kenjok Athiu during Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle.

But he has been all but squeezed out of contention this season with the arrival of marquee star Keisuke Honda, adding to the attacking depth already provided by the likes of James Troisi and Kosta Barbarouses.

In his fourth season with the Victory, the former Brisbane Roar rookie has amassed 54 appearances for the club and will be a ready-made replacement for Pain, who appears bound for newcomers Western United.

It’s a statement of intent from the wooden spooners in waiting, who face losing gifted center-back Jonathan Aspropotamitis, also to Western United, as well 20-year-old right-back Kye Rowles to Melbourne City.

The Mariners were approached for comment.