RESTON Lions are banking on former Sydney FC attacker Robert Stambolziev to fire them toward the promotion spots in State League 1 North-West.
The Lions have endured a winless start to 2017 and recently parted ways with coach Zeljko Popovic.
His replacement, former Hume City boss Lou Acevski, has wasted no time putting his imprint on the club’s first-team squad.
Stambolziev, who played juniors with Preston Lions, will make his return appearance when he is granted an international transfer clearance.
The 26-year-old, who scored one A-League goal in 17 appearances for the Sky Blues, has enjoyed a prolific spell in Cyprus.
“He’s been in Cyprus for the past year and he’s come off contract there and has come to help us,” Acevski said.
“He will go back to Cyprus or back overseas. But he will be at least here for three months.
“He played juniors at Preston many years ago and since then he’s played in England, played in Greece, played in a few countries overseas.
“A-League experience and he’s only 26 at the moment, it’s a great pick-up for the club.”
Ex-NPL midfielder Daniel Visevic, who has been plagued by shoulder issues over the past 12 months, has also signed at B.T Connor Reserve.
The NPL championship winner is renowned as a dead-ball specialist and Acevski hopes he could debut this Saturday against Essendon Royals.
“He’s basically had 12 months out of football, had a shoulder reconstruction done,” Acevski said.
“His match fitness won’t be up to 100 per cent, but he has come relatively fit and he’s been keeping himself fit in the gym.
“He’s about 80 per cent, but I think he will be able to get through the majority of the game on the weekend.”
Acevski said the 27-year-old was the perfect addition to Preston’s squad.
“He’s a lot better than a State League 1 player so he will definitely help us in trying to overcome our ordinary start and push the club up the ladder,” he said.
The Lions’ Round 5 clash with Essendon Royals kicks off at 3pm on Saturday at Ormond Park.
Original Source: Tim Michell, Preston Leader