Melbourne City has added Perth Glory defender Jack Clisby to its ranks for the second half of the A-League campaign. Capable of playing either at left-back or in the centre of defence, Clisby will remain with Melbourne through to the end of the 2015/16 season. The 22-year old shot to prominence in 2012 with Inglewood United, winning that year’s Gold Medal and a few months later signed his first professional deal with Glory.

Clisby enjoyed a breakthrough 2013/14 campaign with Glory but has found first team opportunities hard to come by this season. “I’d like to thank the fans and supporters for their continued loyalty,” commented the defender, who chalked up 29 A-League appearances for his hometown club. “It’s been a difficult decision to leave a club at the top of the table but I feel this is the best for my career going forward.”

Melbourne coach John van’t Schip said Clisby would add depth to his squad for the second half of the A-League season. “Jack has been on our radar for some time and we are happy to welcome him to Melbourne and expect him to be an important contributor to the team,” van’t Schip said. “Jack comes to us at a time where we require depth as we embark on a busy fixture schedule in February and for the remainder of the season.”

Melbourne play five games in February; four in Melbourne against Western Sydney Wanderers, Melbourne Victory, Glory and Adelaide United as well as a trip to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix. Clisby is the club’s second arrival during the mid-season transfer window after Socceroos striker Josh Kennedy.