Michael Bridges says he is determined to become a regular feature of the Jets’ line-up for the remainder of the season.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Michael Bridges says he was humbled by the reception he received from Jets Members and supporters when he came on during the 0-0 draw with Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium last Saturday night.
Saturday-s match was Bridges’ first A-League appearance in a month and the Englishman received rapturous applause when head coach Gary van Egmond introduced him to the fray in the 63rd minute.
“It was great. I-d waited a long time (to play) and it was great to get that taste of the action again,” Bridges explained.
“The circumstances coming on, it was nil-all and the boys had done a fantastic job. It was our first clean sheet of the season and to play a part in that was fantastic.
“The reception when I came on gave me shivers and I was very humbled by it.”
While Bridges was unable to break the deadlock, he said there were plenty of positive signs from his combination up front with young Newcastle striker Adam Taggart.
“Tags came on and looked so lively and sharp. For me, playing in behind him was just ideal,” Bridges said.
“I think Tags and I had some great link up play, but it was just my final pass that was a bit rusty trying to thread them through.”
Bridges received praise from van Egmond for his efforts and the impact he made after coming off the bench.
“Bridgey deserved to come in and, as you saw, he was very effective in what he did,” van Egmond said.
“From that perspective, he has done enough in my books to get another guernsey and maybe more time.
“He hasn-t played for a long time but he did some really good things out there.”
After biding his time early on in the year, Bridges said he is determined to become a regular feature of the Jets- line-up for the remainder of the season.
“You work hard as a professional and sometimes you-ve got to wait for your opportunities,” he said.
“Now I-ve got a taste for the action and hopefully I-ve done enough to get another opportunity.
“I-m 34, but I-m a passionate man and a winner at heart. I want to win and I-ll run my socks off for this club.
“When you get an opportunity like that you-ve got to try and take it.
“We ground out a result and it-s a great stepping block. We-ve got to build momentum from here and capitalise on it during the next few games.”
Bridges said he felt he is best suited playing in behind the central striker where he can try and create goal scoring chances for himself and others.
“I-ll play anywhere, but the number 10 role I think is my best because I just feel I can create something and I-m always going to offer a threat going forward,” he said.
“My legs aren-t going to carry me with pace in behind the defence as much anymore like they do for Emile (Heskey) and Tags.
“Creating stuff is my game. Setting players up and giving opportunities, so number 10 is definitely my role.”
Newcastle face Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium on Saturday and Bridges said he is confident the Jets can get a positive result against the two-time defending Champions.
“Obviously they had a bit of a sticky start, but the new coach has come in and got them ticking again and (Besart) Berisha is scoring goals, which is not a good sign for us,” he said
“What has happened is I think a lot of the other teams have caught up to Brisbane.
“Brisbane set the standard with their coaching structure and the way they played, but everyone has caught up and worked out how to play them.
“We-ll have a game plan and give them the best game possible.”
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Saturday, January 12
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.45pm
Tickets from PROticket
Limited parking will be available for purchase at the car park entrances on game days for the remainder of the Jets 2012/13 season. Whilst there will be parking available for purchase, Hunter Venues does encourage patrons to pre-purchase their parking tickets at a PROticket outlet or online at www.proticket.com.au as parking is subject to availability.
