Incheon United’s North to trial with Trelleborg

Incheon United defender Jade North has commenced a trial spell with Swedish club Trelleborg.

The former Newcastle Jets captain is hoping he can gain regular first team football ahead of the World Cup later this year after failing to get game time with the Korean club since moving there in December 2008.

North said that he was determined to give himself every chance of making Pim Verbeek’s Socceroos squad for the tournament in South Africa and a move to the Swedish Allsvenskan might be the answer.

“I have played in some of the World Cup qualifiers, but I was told by the coach that I have to be playing club football if I am to be considered for selection," North told local newspaper Trelleborg Allehanda.

"To play, I have to find a new club and I see Trelleborg as an opportunity for a new start."

Trelleborg director Lasse Larsson said he had spoken to North’s former Jets teammate Ante Covic (now with Elfsborg) after receiving a call from his agent in regards to a potential trial.

"His agent called, so I put a call in to Ante Covic from Elfsborg," said Larsson. "We talked about him and it was clear there was a lot of interest in Jade.

"He is agile and quick and while he isn't that tall for a central defender, he is very comfortable on the ball. He has a contract in Korea, but according to his agent they are prepared to release him as they have too many foreign players."