Sportal

Bobby Petta

A-League © A-League

Queensland Roar will not sign former Celtic midfielder Bobby Petta amid concerns over his fitness and salary cap concerns according to coach Miron Bleiberg.

The 31-year-old winger arrived in Queensland last month with a view to signing on with Bleiberg's team, but with the Roar recently signing another former Celtic striker - Simon Lynch - for two years, there was no room in the budget for Petta.

"There's two issues – there's the money issue and also he's not fit now and it would take him a while to get to our fitness requirements," Bleiberg told AAP of Petta.

"He's a brilliant player and a lovely guy but the days of people coming from whatever part of the world and stepping into Australian football are over.

"We are in the top 16 in the world now. That's the reality. He's too far behind our boys at the moment.

"Fitness is important. We like to play vibrant soccer, we like to run a lot – that's why unfortunately he (Petta) doesn't suit my style."

With Lynch, who scored 13 goals in 28 appearances for Dundee in the Scottish Division One last season, on board for the next two seasons, Bleiberg said the Roar is on track for an upset pre-season win against reigning premiers Sydney FC on July 15.

"No doubt in my mind quality-wise we are one class above the team (this time) last year," Bleiberg said.

"We've got 18 required players now. We've got the right people at the right positions and we've got cover for every position.

"If I sign a 19th (player) it will probably be a young local guy."

Aside from Lynch, the Roar also recently secured the services former Newcastle danger man Ante Milicic for the 2006/07 season.