North Queensland Fury are handing a lifeline to former Adelaide United youth player Osama Malik and are so far impressed.
18-year old Malik made two appearances in Adelaide's first team last season, both being in the FIFA Club World Cup competition, but he was not given another contract by the Reds.
He is now on trial with the Fury to snatch an under 21 spot in the squad.
"Unfortunately Adelaide were unable to fit him under the salary cap and I mentioned him to Fergie and he was keen to have him up here," Fury head of football Michael Petrillo said.
"He was recently asked to join the Australian under-20 side after his debut for Adelaide United and also played the whole national youth league with Adelaide last year.
"So we think he's a really promising player, he's only 18 and with a terrific future."