Central Coast Mariners sign teen duo on loan from Sheffield United

Central Coast Mariners have confirmed loan deals to bring Sheffield United teens Sam Graham and Stephen Mallon to the A-League.

Graham, an 18-year-old centre-back, and Mallon, a 19-year-old winger, arrive at the rock bottom side after recommendations from assistant coach Nick Montgomery - a former captain of the Championship side.

“Nick [Montgomery] is obviously an ex-Sheffield United player – he spoke to people at the club and showed interest in me,” Mallon said.

“The Club spoke to me and said there is an opportunity to go to Australia and straight away it jumped out as something that I wanted to do. Being nineteen, especially with more years on my contract, to come down here, enjoy the experience, work as hard as I can and go back a better player – it all appealed to me.

“Monty said it’s a great league, a great experience. He said nothing is guaranteed just because we have travelled from England but he knows we are good players and told us that we need to work hard to earn our chance.”

Graham will wear shirt number 28 while Mallon will don the 29 for the Mariners.