Mariners swoop on Sutton

A-League leaders Central Coast have bolstered their squad in their chase for the championship, confirming on Friday the loan signing of striker John Sutton from Scottish Premier League club Hearts.

Sutton, the younger brother of former England striker Chris Sutton, joins the Mariners on a four-month deal although there is an option to extend his stay beyond the initial loan.

With the Mariners losing Matt Simon to Korean club Chunnam Dragons last month, the acquisition of the 28-year-old is seen as the perfect replacement.

Sutton, who was recommended to Mariners boss Graham Arnold by Craig Moore, is expected to arrive in Australia by the middle of next week but it's unlikely he'll be available for next Friday's meeting with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

"The exposure of giving him the opportunity to play in the A-League and also the ACL was very appealing to him," Arnold said of Sutton.

"He comes with a very good pedigree in Scotland and he is a similar player to Matty Simon, someone that can make us play different if we need to play different."

"He comes out with a record of a goal every two-and-a-half to three games in Scotland and we're looking forward to John coming out and adding not only another set of legs but quite a deal of experience for our front line."

Sutton, who spent part of his youth career with Tottenham, heads to the Mariners after stints with Hearts, Motherwell and St Mirren in the SPL.

The powerful attacker has scored twice in just five SPL appearances with Hearts this season.