Melbourne Heart sign Dutch winger Worm

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SYDNEY, Feb 25, 2010 (AFP) - New Australian A-League team Melbourne Heart have signed former Dutch youth international winger Rutger Worm, it was announced on Thursday.

Worm, 24, from Dutch Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen, has agreed a multi-year deal and becomes the sixth player to sign with the A-League newcomers ahead of their inaugural season later this year.

Heart's Dutch coach John van 't Schip said Worm's technical ability and creativity fits with the new club's commitment to an attack-minded approach.

"Rutger is a fantastic player who has shown a lot of ability during his time with NEC and really impressed me while I was with Ajax," van 't Schip said.

"He will bring width to the team and provide a lot of drive down the wings, which is critical for our tactical philosophy, and he is a proven player at a high level."

Worm has been an ever-present in the Eredivisie for the last six seasons, scoring five goals in 106 first team appearances for NEC Nijmegen, including 20 appearances during the current campaign.

Worm is the Heart's first overseas signing after securing domestic players Matt Thompson, Dean Heffernan, Clint Bolton, Kristian Sarkies and Jason Hoffman.

Former Manchester United star and Danish international Jesper Olsen has also signed as an assistant coach to van 't Schip.