Phoenix sign Argentine midfielder Cornejo

Wellington Phoenix FC said on Thursday they had signed Argentine midfielder Oscar Roberto Cornejo for this Australian A-League season.

Cornejo, nicknamed Toto, made a trial appearance for the New Zealand-based Phoenix against his countrymen last week, when the Wellington club beat Argentina’s Boca Juniors 2-1.

Cornejo, 27, is an attacking midfielder who has played club football in Argentina as well as Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru.

“Toto’s the sort of player we think can circulate in and around the central midfield and provide the link between the front and the midfield,” coach Ricki Herbert said.

“He’s got all the skills and ability to create opportunities in the attacking third and he’s comfortable taking on opposition players.”

Indonesian international striker Bambang Pamungkas arrives this weekend to begin a trial with the Phoenix, who kick off their season against Gold Coast at home on August 13.