Former Argentina international Osvaldo 'Ossie' Ardiles is being heavily linked with the vacant North Queensland Fury coaching role.

The 57-year old, who had an extensive playing career that took him from Cordoba to Tottenham to Lauderdale, has emerged as the frontrunner for the job vacated by Ian Ferguson which is expected to be announced within two weeks.

Since retiring from the playing circuit in 1991, the 1978 World Cup winner has had plenty of managerial experience, ranging from Swindon Town, Newcastle United, Tottenham, Croatia Zagreb, Yokohama Marinos and Al-Ittihad among others.