I knocked back chance of move to Celtic but would love to join Motherwell, says Adriano Pellegrino

Apr 18 2010 Scott Mcdermott, Sunday Mail

MOTHERWELL trialist Adriano Pellegrino has revealed he knocked back a switch to Celtic in January but is now desperate to win a move to Fir Park.

The Aussie midfielder was wanted by ex-Hoops boss Tony Mowbray in the New Year and was invited over for a training stint at Lennoxtown.

But the 25-year-old rejected the offer in favour of helping A-League side Perth Glory reach the play-off finals in Oz and is now looking to impress Well gaffer Craig Brown.

Pellegrino has been taken aback by the club and will train with them until the end of the season.

He admits he's keen on joining the Steelmen and continuing his career in the SPL.

He'd love to follow in the footsteps of fellow Aussie Scott McDonald, who became a hit at Fir Park before winning a move to Celtic Park.

And he's trying to immerse himself in Scottish football by watching as many SPL games as he can during his short stay in Lanarkshire.

Pellegrino said: "I've been training all week and Motherwell are a good club - the facilities are excellent.

"The gaffer and Archie Knox have made me feel welcome.

"I met Steven McGarry in Australia and he gave the club a lot of praise. That enticed me to come over.

"I've got some time on my hands so it's a chance for Craig to decide if he likes what he sees. I have to show him what I've got.

"The SPL doesn't get much coverage in Australia.

"But I've been to a few games this week and watched some on TV.

"The standard's good, the games are energetic and there's more passion here than the A-League.

"There was a bit of interest in me from Celtic around Christmas and there were some talks between the club and my agent.

"But I wanted to stick around at Perth Glory and get them to the finals - that was important to me.

"I didn't feel it was the right thing to leave while the finals were on to go on trial somewhere else.

"It could have been a big chance for me at Celtic and there's always doubts in your mind it might not happen again. But the timing and the situation wasn't right.

"I'm happy to be at Motherwell and I'd love to get a deal here."

Pellegrino was part of the Australian Under-20 side that reached the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships and two years ago he won the A-League's Most Glorious Player award after returning from a spell in Greece with Panachaiki.

But after working under former Rangers striker Dave Mitchell in Oz, the winger reckons he's ready to take the next step in his career and that could mean a move to Fir Park next term.

Motherwe l l may have to pay a small fee for Pellegrino but, so far, gaffer Brown has liked what he has seen and is considering a move for the Australian.

Pellegrino said: "It's difficult for me to impress when I've already had a full season with Glory. But I'd like to play here next season.

"I used to play with McDonald for the Under-20 national team and look at what he achieved in Scotland.

"This can be an excellent stepping stone in my career.

"I also know a couple of young Aussies who are at Hearts so it would be great to play here.

"I had two full seasons under Dave and he spoke highly of the Scottish League. At 25 I'm ready to further my career and I could do that here.

"The Perth Glory owner Tony Sage has sent me texts wishing me luck."