Sydney FC have received a boost ahead of Thursday's clash with the Melbourne Heart with experienced defender Pascal Bosschaart signing a two-year extension with the Sky Blues.
The new deal means Bosschaart will stay with Sydney until the end of the 2013-14 A-League season.
The Dutchman has played just 12 games for Sydney but has become a key member of their strong start to the season and he said he's delighted to extend his stay in the Harbour city.
"Since I have arrived in Sydney everyone at the club has been tremendous for me and my family," he said on Wednesday.
"We have been made to feel welcome, I love playing for the club, I love living in Sydney and I am very happy to stay at Sydney FC."
Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka said of the signing: "Pascal has been a very important player for Sydney FC this season."
"He has been very strong with Megsy (Michael Beauchamp) and is a leader, a hungry player, on the pitch and in the dressing room."
The Sky Blues are next in action against the Heart at the Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday night, with the winner to take second place on the A-league ladder heading into the new year.
Sydney have never beaten the Heart in their four previous meetings but head into the contest on the back of a four-game unbeaten run.