Young Socceroos forward Cooper signs for Newcastle Jets

Newcastle Jets has added Australia Youth international Travis Cooper to its squad for the remainder of the 2014-2015 A-League season.

Travis Cooper was playing with VVV Venlo before moving to Newcastle Jets. (Getty)

The 21 year-old can play as a striker or right-winger and arrives at the Jets having spent the last three years with Dutch side VVV Venlo.

Cooper has represented both the Young Socceroos and Olyroos, which included a goal for Australia's Under-22 side against China at a youth tournament last November.

Jets coach Phil Stubbins moved to add Cooper to his squad after the recent injury to James Virgili.

“Travis is a exciting player who has had the challenge of living overseas and no doubt that has helped him grow up and improve,” Stubbins said.

“He is now looking to fulfil his potential and establish himself in the Hyundai A-League.

“He has had some great experience and feedback in the national youth set-up and we see him as almost a like-for-like replacement for James [Virgili]. He can play wide right, he’s dynamic and quick and I am pleased there is young Australian boy available to sign in that mould.

“It is good to bring some new energy into the squad. No doubt Travis will be eager to show what he can do and prove he can be a future Hyundai A-League player.”

Cooper was delighted with his move to Newcastle and is looking forward to playing in the A-League.

“It’s great to be back in Australia. I know that playing in the [Hyundai] A-League is going to be a massive challenge, but I do not shy away from challenges and I am looking forward to it,” the 21 yeaer-old said. 

“Living on my own in Holland was a great experience - the Dutch style of play is very tactical and technical and I think my game has improved a lot in those aspects.”

“I want to show the Jets fans that I am a hard-working, determined player. I like one-on-ones and taking on my man, but first and foremost I am a team player and I want to help the Jets do well and get some results.”

Newcastle also secured the signature of 23 year-old Korea Republic left-back Lee Ki-je on a four-month contract.

Lee joins the Jets having last played for Japanese J-League heavyweight Shimizu S-Pulse.

During his time with the Shizuoka-based Club, Lee made over 70 appearances across Japan’s top flight, Emperor’s Cup and J-League Cup competitions.

Stubbins was pleased to have added to his defensive options after the recent arrival of Daniel Mullen from Western Sydney Wanderers..

“We have been looking for a left back and Ki-je really caught our eye as a dynamic player that we feel can make an impact in the team,” Stubbins said.

“Ki-je is only 23 but has been playing consistently in the J-League, which is of course a very good level. He is strong, works hard, and I am excited to work with him for the rest of the campaign.”

Speaking through an interpreter, the Korea Republic youth international said that his arrival in Australia is in part down to his ambition to test himself in a new competition.

“My reason for deciding to come to Australia is that I have heard about the Australian league and how football in Australia is growing in terms of quality and size,” Lee said.

“So I was very interested to come and try a new challenge out of the Asian market. Australia is of course in the Asian Football Confederation, but it is also different in terms of culture.”

Lee believes his strengths include crossing and free kicks, in addition to his defensive abilities.

Cooper and Lee may feature for Newcastle Jets against Brisbane Roar on Friday which will be LIVE on SBS ONE, HD and online from 7.30pm AEDT.