Central Coast Mariners skipper Wilkinson tips Perez for big things

Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson believes new striker Patricio Perez will be a force to be reckoned with once he gains full fitness.

The Argentine, who is currently serving a two-match ban for simulation, has played just 30 minutes for his new club but Wilkinson feels he will be a great inclusion when he returns in Round 7 against Gold Coast United.

“He is a special talent,” Wilkinson told Australian Football Weekly of the man who scored from the penalty spot against Sydney FC last week on debut.

“He’s not fully fit yet, he’s been out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury and he’s only started training in the last week.

“He’ll get better when he gets fitter, but when he came on everyone could see he’s a quality player.

“He’s probably only 60-70 per cent fit at the moment so when he gets a bit more training and match fitness it’ll be great to have him on board.”