S.League giants Tampines Rovers have signed English forward Louis Clark ahead of next month's qualifier against Philippines champions Global FC in the 2017 AFC Champions League.
The 26-year-old was a junior at Brighton & Hove Albion before carving out an impressive college career in the United States.
Tampines have parted ways with all three imports from 2016, with ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, Billy Mehmet and Jordan Webb all moving on. But many key local players remain, including goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, tireless midfielder Hafiz Abu Sujad, playmaker Shahdan Sulaiman and captain Fahrudin Mustafic.
Clark will be no stranger to Global, given that he faced off against them on numerous occasions during his time with their United Football League rivals, Kaya FC.
Despite having to settle for second place in the S.League last season, the Stags are set for continental action in 2017, given that champions Albirex Niigata (S) are ineligible to represent Singapore because of their Japanese nationality.
A spot in the second-tier AFC Cup is guaranteed. But, first, they have a chance to participate in Asia's premier club competition should they get through the qualifying playoffs.
Their first test will be against Global on Jan. 24. Should they successfully negotiate past that, further hurdles lie in the form of A-League side Brisbane Roar, and big-spending Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League.
Although it will be nothing short of a miracle should Tampines go all the way and earn a place in Group E, alongside Japan's Kashima Antlers, Thai champions Muang Thong United and one other qualifier, Tampines coach Akbar Nawas insists they will not be writing off their own chances just yet.
"Firstly, we will have to focus on the game against Global," he told ESPN FC.
"Even if we do beat them, we will then face another strong team in Brisbane Roar, followed by one of the best sides from China, Shanghai Shenhua.
A photo posted by Tampines Rovers FC (@tampinesroversfc) on
"We will definitely be going into every game looking to compete, and we'll just think about taking it step-by-step."
And, regardless of how far the Stags go, Akbar has already identified one clear positive that will emerge from participating in the Champions League qualifiers.
He added: "These games will definitely be good for us because they'll come in our preseason stage ahead of the new S.League campaign.
"It will stand us in good stead, having to face such quality opposition before the domestic season begins."
In addition to finishing second behind Tampines Rovers in the 2016 S.League, they lost in October's Singapore Cup final to the Japanese outfit.