Coolen thrilled with Keenan’s arrival at Adelaide United

Adelaide United manager Rini Coolen is thrilled with the arrival of injury replacement player Joe Keenan.

27-year old Keenan, a former Chelsea midfielder, has been signed on a short-term contract to cover for injured defender Nigel Boogaard and Reds boss Coolen admitted he was a good inclusion to the squad.

“He’s played in Holland, he’s played in England, he’s got a lot of experience and he can play in several positions,” Coolen said.

“I don’t know him that well at the moment, so that’s the reason that we asked him to come over for at least four weeks, and after that four weeks we can see if he stays on for longer.”

Keenan, who played in the 2007/08 A-League season with Melbourne Victory, said it was a great opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.

“I’ve just been playing back in the Victorian Premier League with South Melbourne, and due to a few injuries here an opportunity arose to come out for a four week contract, so I jumped at the chance to get back in the A-League,” Keenan said.

“It all came up quite quickly. The club has got quite a few injuries, they needed some cover and I was grateful to do that…it felt great to be back at a professional club again.

“All the boys and the staff have been very welcoming, they’ve made me feel part of the squad already which was great.”