Soccer: Kosta off to Russia

All Whites striker Kosta Barbarouses. Photo / Getty Images

All whites striker Kosta Barbarouses has made an ambitious move from A-League champions Brisbane Roar to Russian first division club Alania Vladikavkaz.

The former Wellington Phoenix player was an instant success once he joined the Roar for the 2010-11 season - he top scored with 12 goals as the Queenslanders clinched their maiden title in March.

The 21-year-old had been trialling in Europe and was released from the two remaining seasons of his Roar contract after concluding negotiations with Alania Vladikavkaz.

His signing was announced on the southern Russian club's website yesterday.

Alania Vladikavkaz were relegated from the Russian premier league last year but are on track for promotion by currently running second at the midway point of the season.

They are also involved in the 2011-12 Europa League after finishing runners-up in the 2010-11 Russian Cup.

-NZPA