Newcastle Jets midfielder Billy Celeski says he is excited to make his Jets debut against Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium tonight.
Celeski signed with the Jets in August after a short stint in China, but a groin injury has kept the 29-year-old on the sideline so far this season.
The former Melbourne Victory man says he’s ready to help the Jets kick-start their season after getting the nod from Jets coach Phil Stubbins to start the match against the Roar.
“I’ve been in full training for nearly two weeks now, there’s still a little bit of soreness there and the physio says I’ll have that for a little bit longer,” Celeski said.
“But it’s not going to get any worse, so I’m feeling good.”
“It’s been a little while coming, I came in late in the preseason and picked up an injury early but I’ve put all that behind me now and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Celeski started his Hyundai A-League career at Perth Glory where he scored four goals in 32 appearances.
The midfielder moved to the Melbourne Victory for the 2008/09 season and made 91 appearance in his five years at the Club.
The former Socceroo arrived at Newcastle after a brief stint playing in the United Arab Emirates for Al-Shaab CSC and Chinese outfit Liaoning Whowin.
Both teams are still searching for their first win of the season and while Celeski is confident the Jets can get the job done he knows the Roar will provide a tough test.
“They’ve been the benchmark for a little while now so they’re definitely going to be coming here to get the three points as well,” Celeski said.
“I think being back at Hunter Stadium will help as a great deal as we won’t be on the road and we’ll get a little bit more time at home.
“It was a good turnout for our first home game against Victory and hopefully we can start winning some games at home and the fans can get right behind us.”
Celeski said that he hopes to help bring a winning culture to the Club after claiming the Championship with the Victory in 2008/09.
“I’ve been around Victory for five years and the culture at the Victory was a winning formula,” Celeski said.
“We’ve got good leaders here with the likes of Kew (Jaliens), Adrian (Madaschi), and Joel (Griffiths) who’s been here for a little while.
“It’s just a matter of bringing the rest of the group along and creating a winning atmosphere around the Club.”
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Friday, November 14
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.40pm AEDT
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.
