THE Fire is looking to add some extra pace up front with the return of New Zealand attacker Jason Hicks.
Twenty-three-year-old Hicks played with the Fire through the 2011 Premiership and Championship winning season.
Since then Hicks has played for the New Zealand Under 23 team which qualified for the Olympics. He has also played for Auckland City, competing in the FIFA World Club Cup in Japan last November.
“I really enjoyed my 2011 season playing with a great bunch of players and coming back for another season was always something I wanted to do,” Hicks said.
Fire managing director Noel Woodall said Hicks was a stand-out along with Japanese defender Takanori Sato during his time at the Fire.
“Hicks at his best will add significantly to our pace and finishing,” Woodall said.
“Combined with the likes of Nico Bechar, who is also a very fast attacker we hope to open up more scoring opportunities.”
Fire coach Kevin A’herne-Evans agreed, saying Hicks would offer the team further strength in attacking options.
“He has a great short and long passing game,” he said.
“Hick’s lethal left foot and the ability to beat players in a 1v1 situation will prove a handful for many defenders.”
Hicks arrived last week and has been training with the team. After watching the Fire’s NPL Round One, Two and Three matches he thinks the team can do well despite losing a game.
“The Fire has a lot of talent, they have a great coach and they always make you feel welcome, which is something a player coming from another country looks for.”
The Fire will also see an addition to their midfield this Sunday, as new Japanese player Keito Tahara takes to the field. The Fire’s talent scout identified the offensive-midfielder in Japan.
“Even though he is only 18 years old Tahara already shows great maturity in his play,” Woodall said.
A’herne-Evans said Keito was a different type of player to those typically seen on the coast.
“Keito very much fits the mold of a continental player who looks very comfortable on the ball, is technically excellent off both feet and particularly impressive getting out of tight situations,” A’herne-Evans said.
Supporters will be able to see both new players in action this Sunday as the Fire takes on Queensland Academy of Sport at Stockland Stadium.
