Ex-Wigan and Manchester United star heads to Oz

by Pat McGatt. Published Fri 27 Nov 2009 10:59

Former Latics and Manchester United midfielder Terry Cooke is heading Down Under this weekend to continue his playing career.

The 33-year-old signed for North Queensland Fury yesterday and is likely to be thrown straight in to the fray this weekend.

Cooke has recently been appearing in the American MLS for Colorado Rapids where made over 100 appearances.

Fury boss Ian Ferguson said: ''We're hoping we'll get the clearance today, if not today then tomorrow.

''If you look across our midfield we've got three under-21s, Osama Malik is 18, Rostyn Griffiths is 21 and David Williams is 21.

''We're a little short on experience in the midfield and I think he'll bring that to us and hopefully hold us together.

''He's got good experience, he's played at a good level. He holds the ball well, has good delivery and works hard. We did some fitness testing with him and he passed that no problem.''

The experienced Cooke has also turned out for Sunderland, Birmingham City, Wrexham, Manchester City, Wigan Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and Grimsby Town.