Mariners sign promising teenager Pandurevic

Central Coast Mariners had added to its squad with the signing of promising 17 year-old Dejan Pandurevic until the end of the 2014-2015 season.

Central Coast Mariners new signing Dejan Pandurevic (L) shakes hands with coach Phil Moss. (Central Coast Mariners)

The tennager earned his first professional contract after completing his spell with Nike Academy in the United Kingdom - following in the footsteps of former Mariners midfielder Tom Rogic.

He failed to land a British work permit, which denied him the opportunity to sign for interested clubs in England.

Pandurevic played for Central Coast's youth team during 2013-2014 and is delighted to have penned his first professional deal just two days before his 18th birthday.

“It was a great feeling when Mossy called and told me the news. It’s my first professional contract. It’s fantastic news for myself, my family and a great reward after all my hard work over the years. It’s fantastic to make it as a professional,” he said.

“It has come at a great time and is a fantastic early birthday present. I was here in the youth team last year, the boys have made me feel very welcome and it felt like home straight away.”

Pandurevic will be eager to impress his new boss Phil Moss, who he worked with as a youngster at Manly United.

“It will be great to work with Mossy again. He was the head coach at Manly when I was there. He obviously moved onto the Mariners and here I am now playing for him. I’ll be working hard at training every day to try and impress him and the coaching staff," the 17 year-old said.

Moss believes Pandurevic is the perfect addition to his squad.

“Dejan is a player of great potential and he’s got a fantastic attitude. He’s technically good, and strong for his age and size. He was one of the standouts in our youth team last year. I think being over in England really toughened him up physically. I know he’s got a great character and mentality,” the Mariners coach said.

“He’s dedicated on making a professional career for himself. We’ve given him an opportunity until the end of the season and we’ll see how he goes. I’ve got no fear giving young kids an opportunity if I feel they are ready, but they need to work hard and they have to win that spot on their merits."