Local Central Coast goalkeeper Matthew Trott has been drafted into the Central Coast Mariners’ playing roster as temporary cover for injured custodian John Crawley.

Trott, 21, replaced Crawley at the tail end of the Mariners’ 2005/06 Hyundai A-League campaign, after the then incumbent Mariners number one was sidelined for an extended period of time with a hip injury.

With Crawley, 34, continuing to recover, Trott has again been invited to join his local team.

"Trotty improved out of sight last season once he joined us and he provides us with fantastic cover in the goalkeeping department," said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.

"He starts the season as number two behind Vukovic, but if we need him to take the reigns in Crawley’s absence, he’s certainly up to the task."

Trott was understudy to Danny Vukovic for eleven matches last season and has most recently been appearing for local NSW Winter Super League outfit the Central Coast Lightning.

In eighteen appearances for the Lightning so far this season, Trott has kept three clean sheets and turned in a number of impressive performances that have secured the Lightning’s place in the top half of the NSW Winter Super League table.

Trott’s second stint in Mariners colours further strengthens the ties between the Mariners and the Lightning, providing aspirant youngsters from the Central Coast with a clear pathway from grassroots level to Australia’s top tier.

Crawley, who made five Hyundai A-League appearances for the Mariners before his season ending hip injury, is on track to resume his playing career by the end of the season after returning positive results from recent surgery.

The former Chilean based shot stopper was a standout of the Mariners’ early showings in 2005, earning high praise for a series of outstanding performances, most notably against Sydney FC in slippery conditions in Round 4 when the Mariners claimed an unforgettable last-gasp victory.

"Positively for John, he has recovered very well from his surgery and hopefully we can see him back in the squad and challenging Danny Vukovic for the top job by the end of the season," said McKinna.

"When he was fit last season he was among the best ‘keepers in the Hyundai A-League and with the work ethic that John possesses, I have no doubts he’ll be able to recapture his fitness and find his best form before too long."

The Mariners will kick off their second Hyundai A-League campaign when they take on the Perth Glory at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium this Saturday, 15 July in the opening round of the Pre-Season Cup. Kick off is at 6pm.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.