Lyon defender Damien Da Silva joins Melbourne Victory as fight to revive season begins

New Melbourne Victory signing Damien Da Silva has hit the training track with his new club as the bottom-of-the table side is also linked to a young forward.

The 34-year-old centre-back joined Victory from Lyon following 243 appearances in France’s Ligue 1 with Lyon, Stade Rennais and Caen.

Da Silva made seven Ligue 1 appearances with Lyon this season before his transfer and was used as a fullback in his most recent two starts in a show of his versatility.

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic said he was pleased to secure the Frenchman’s services for the remainder of the A-League Men’s season.

“We’re excited to welcome Damien to the squad and we’re looking forward to see what he brings to Melbourne Victory,” Popovic said.

“He’s an experienced defender who has played at the top level in France for a number of years and we believe he will be an incredibly valuable asset to our defensive group.”

Da Silva said he saw his A-League move as a “new and exciting challenge”.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people about Australia and Melbourne Victory and know that it is the biggest club with the best fans in the league, and I hope to be able to deliver for them on the pitch,” he said.

Da Silva will help fill the void left in defence by retired Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic, who announced his career was over after he failed to shake off a lingering foot injury.

Victory sits at the foot of the ladder but is only two wins from a finals spot with a game in hand just after the midway point of the season.

A 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix on Friday has sparked hopes of a late-season revival, while the Victory roster has also been bolstered with the signing of former Adelaide United, Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers winger Bruce Kamau on loan.

Melbourne has also been linked by international media outlets to 22-year-old Paraguayan forward Fernando Romero, who plays for Paraguayan Primera Division side Cerro Porteno.

Paraguayan football news site D10 said Romero was set to sign on loan with Victory for five months, with a possible buyout clause.