Melbourne Victory’s Ricardinho set for A-League debut

Melbourne Victory recruit Ricardinho will make his A-League debut against Central Coast Mariners tonight.

The Brazilian striker obtained his International Transfer Certificate yesterday, making him eligible to take the pitch at Bluetongue Stadium in Round 5 of the 2010/11 season.

Victory coach Ernie Merrick confirmed that the clearance had come through and that Ricardinho would start on the bench.

“The clearance finally came through so we'll put him on the bench," Merrick said.

"It's good to have the option of a striker of his quality. I think we can get up to 45 minutes out of him. We'll see how the game develops, but we're keen to give him a run.

"From what I've seen at training, he's going to be a fixture in our team. He's been outstanding. He's very fast ... and his strike with his left or right foot is first-class."