Central Coast Mariners - United's Australian sister club - have signed goalkeeper Mark Bosnich on a short-term contract after the former Chelsea and Manchester Untied star impressed during pre-season at the Bluetongue Stadium.

Bosnich, 36, has been on trial with the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers for the past month and having satisfied the club of his ability to contribute positively to the Mariners' season, has been invited to make an impression on Australia's top flight football competition for the first time since December 1991.

The stopper is ineligible for selection for the Mariners' opening home match of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season against Sydney FC this coming Saturday, but will come into contention for the subsequent Hyundai A-League fixtures from Round three through to Round eight - owning to fellow goalkeeper Danny Vukovic's imminent suspension.

Meanwhile the Mariners have added more cover in the goalkeeping department by signing experienced 27-year-old Matthew Nash from NSW Premier League challengers APIA Leichhardt on a one-year deal.