Thursday, 18 January 2018: Central Coast Mariners defender Harry Ascroft has been granted a release to join Maltese club Balzan FC.

Central Coast defender Harry Ascroft has been granted an immediate release to join Maltese Premier League side Balzan FC.

The Mariners had given permission for Ascroft to trial for the Maltese tier-one outfit as a result of a newly-formed relationship between the two clubs.

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"To establish a relationship with a club in Europe that will give young Australians a chance to play regularly is great for the Mariners," Mariners head of football Nick Montgomery said on Thursday.

"We will continue to work with Balzan and see this as a great pathway for Australians to be exposed to football in Europe.

"This gives young Australians like Harry an opportunity to play football abroad and develop their game, whilst earning regular game time."

Ascroft departs with four goals from 34 appearances since arriving in Gosford in 2015, but had yet to get a look in for coach Paul Okon this season.

The 22-year-old thanked the club for helping develop his game in the A-League.

"I would like to wish the boys all the very best for the future and the rest of the season," he said.

"Finally, I would like to say a huge thanks to the fans who have supported me on this journey - you welcomed me with open arms from day one and that's something I will never forget.

"The opportunity to return to Europe and continue my dream is certainly an exciting one and a new experience for me."