Neil Kilkenny is eagerly anticipating playing in the A-League following his move to Melbourne City.

The 30-year-old midfielder has joined City on a two-year deal having ended his time with English club Preston North End and admits it is a challenge has been looking forward to for some time.

"I have always wanted to challenge myself in the A-League and this move has come at the perfect time," said Kilkenny.

"I'm excited to be playing for a team that plays a certain style of football; I'm looking forward to the challenge and the adventure and everything that surrounds this move and I can't wait to start."

The former Leeds United, Birmingham City, Oldham Athletic and Bristol City midfielder becomes John van 't Schip's eighth pre-season signing, following the arrivals of Manny Muscat, Bruce Kamau, Daniel Arzani, Ruon Tongyik and Luke Brattan and the re-signing of Dean Bouzanis, Nick Fitzgerald and Anthony Caceres.