Dezi Giraldi's dream call-up is John Turner's worst nightmare after the striker's stay with Wollongong FC ended yesterday when he linked with Sydney FC.
Giraldi and the A-League glamour club have agreed to a short-term injury contract, with the 22-year-old expected to start in Saturday's Preseason Cup game against Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium.
The deal, which has a minimum term of six weeks, meant Giraldi had to end his stint with the Wolves who are joint leaders of the NSW Premier League with two rounds left.
Turner said he was pleased for Giraldi, but disappointed at Sydney FC's timing.
"It's a massive blow for our campaign ... gut-wrenching," Turner said.
Giraldi has been signed as cover for injured strikers John Aloisi and Brendon Santalab and Olyroo Mark Bridge.
Giraldi confirmed there was no chance of splitting his time between the Wolves and Sydney.
"Kossie (Sydney FC coach John Kosmina) wanted me straight in there, there was no in-between ground," Giraldi said.
Giraldi is "ecstatic" to be reunited with Kosmina, who signed him to his first A-League contract at Adelaide United in 2006.
"I'm really happy - I knew Kossie had me in his thoughts," Giraldi said.
Although his Wollongong FC stint is over, Giraldi won't be lost to Illawarra fans - he will join best mate Jacob Timpano and Unanderra junior Santalab - if fit - in Sydney FC colours for next Saturday's Preseason Cup game against Wellington at WIN Stadium.
"That's awesome. I was with Adelaide when we played Sydney FC in Wollongong but I did my groin two days before the game and couldn't play," Giraldi said.
"Its been a goal of mine to play A-League in Wollongong.
"Jacob's my best mate - it is fantastic, we have always spoken about playing together," Giraldi said.
Giraldi was disappointed to leave Wollongong FC, but backed the Wolves to win the premiership and kick on to the grand final.
"They're the best team in the league, they play the best football and have the best bunch of guys," Giraldi said.
"I was ecstatic with how the past six weeks have gone - I came down here with a few issues and needed to find my feet again.
"John Turner was fantastic, the boys were great," Giraldi said.
Turner thought the same about Giraldi but will now have to make do without one of his key strike weapons.
"I would have loved 10 days more with Dezi - if we didn't have him for the finals series, so be it.
"If we were second from the bottom fine, let him go, but we're in the race for a title here.
"I think its pretty unfair on the kid - everyone wants to be part of a championship team."
Turner said he and the club bore Giraldi no grudges about the move.
"I wish Dezi all the best - I have nothing but praise for him.
"This is not about Dezi Giraldi, it is about John Kosmina - Dezi's two weeks from a championship and they want him to play in a preseason game ... give me a break."
Sydney FC general manager of football David Mason said the A-League giants sympathised with Wollongong FC, but the lack of strikers necessitated Giraldi's immediate move.
Meantime, Vince Lia has suffered another cruel blow in his stop-start A-League career, with the Wellington Phoenix defender set to miss the entire season through injury.
Lia wrenched his left leg in a tackle while playing at right back for the Phoenix in their 2008 Preseason Cup win against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
It was initially hoped the injury was not serious, but scans have revealed the former Australian under-17 and 20s skipper had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
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