New Zealand international Clayton Lewis has inked a one-year deal with Wellington Phoenix.
The 23-year-old was a star for Auckland City in last season's national league, after returning from a two-year stint in England with Scunthorpe United.
The All Whites midfielder has been capped 14 times for his country and attended the 2015 U20 Football World Cup.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay says his new recruit will add to a quality midfielder that already features Alex Rufer and Cameron Devlin.
"Clayton is a local product, having played for St Pats in Wellington in his youth," Talay says.
"[He's] a known commodity for us, having spent time with our first team last season for the Sydney pre-season camp.
"He’s shown a good feel for the game and has proved himself for the All Whites in the past, so he’ll be given an opportunity to push for a spot in our midfield rotation - which is already one of the best in the A-League."
Lewis looks forward to the challenge of an A-League season that will see the NZ team based in Australia initially.
"To be able to join the Phoenix has always been kind of a dream of mine," he says. "I was born and raised in Wellington, so it’s an exciting opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get started.
"I’ve played with quite a few of the boys [on the squad last season] in Alex Rufer, Oli Sail and Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi. I’m looking forward to working with these players and obviously Ufuk [Talay] as well.
"I know I’ve got a lot of creativity and I thrive on my passing abilities. Hopefully I can score some goals and do whatever the team needs me to do.
"I’m looking forward to showcasing what I can do and I think it’s going to be an exciting season. I hope the Phoenix fans are going to be excited as well."
The signing comes a day after confirmation that English recruit David Ball would remain at the club for a further three seasons.
