Victory sign Milligan on loan

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Melbourne Victory have signed Qantas Socceroos defender Mark Milligan until the end of the Hyundai A-League season, subject to an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

Melbourne Victory have signed Qantas Socceroo defender, Mark Milligan, until the end of the Hyundai A-League season, subject to an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

Milligan returns to the A-League for a second time after previously playing for Sydney FC (2005/08) and Newcastle Jets (2008/09), before joining Chinese club, Shanghai Shenhua, and then moving on to current club, JEF United, in Japan-s J-League 2.

Milligan said he was looking forward to playing in Australia again.

“The Japanese season has finished up now, so rather than have an extended break, I was really keen to get back to the A-League and Melbourne Victory was a very attractive option for me," the 26-year-old said.

“Playing overseas really heightens your interest in the domestic game back home, so I-ve been keeping a close eye on the A-League since I moved away a few years ago, and I-m really excited to be back until the end of the season.”

“Hopefully I can help get the club-s season back on track. The Melbourne Victory fans are the most passionate in the country so it will be great to play in front of them again, only this time as a Victory player,” Milligan added.

Victory coach Jim Magilton admitted he is eager to see the former Australia U23s captain in action.

“Mark brings a great deal of experience and quality to the squad and we-re delighted to have him for the rest of the season," the Victory boss said.

“He-s a versatile player and can do a number of different jobs, so I expect him to be a real asset to the team.“

“While we have an array of attacking options, we felt it was imperative to bring in a player like Mark to strengthen our defensive set-up."

In further player movement news, Melbourne Victory can also confirm that it has come to a financial settlement with former marquee-man, Ricardinho, thus freeing up a visa spot on the clubs list.