Adelaide United defender Tarek Elrich has signed a contract extension less than two weeks before the start of the 2015/16 A-League season.

The one year extension means Elrich will remain at United until at least the end of the 2017/18 season.

This is the second time Elrich, who scored last season’s A-League Goal of the Year, has extended his stay at the Reds since joining the club in 2013.

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in the back of his mind, the Socceroo told adelaideunited.com.au that securing his club football future was important in holding his spot in the national team.

“I’ve really been enjoying my time here in Adelaide,” Elrich said.

“Now I’ll continue to focus on my football and playing my absolute best week-in, week-out, giving myself the best chance of being in contention of that Socceroos squad and helping the team domestically.”

Adelaide United CEO Michael Petrillo heaped praise upon the full-back, saying it is a vote of confidence from the player in the progression of the club.

“We are delighted that Tarek has agreed to extend his contract,” Petrillo said to the club’s website.

“It shows the confidence that a player of Tarek’s calibre has in the football programme that we now have in place at the club.”

Adelaide United’s 2015/16 season kicks off against rivals Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium next Friday.E