Emile Heskey says the Jets will savour the opportunity to compete against the competition leaders in Friday’s must-win clash.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets striker Emile Heskey believes the Jets will savour the opportunity to compete against competition leaders Western Sydney Wanderers in Friday-s must-win clash at Hunter Stadium.
Heskey will be making his return to the Jets line-up after missing their last three matches with a calf injury and the former England international said he is excited about the prospect of taking on the Wanderers in such a crucial fixture.
“It-s great. It-s an opportunity that we have to try and get ourselves back in that top six and into playoff football,” Heskey said.
“We-re relishing that and everyone-s excited. It-s going to make for an interesting game because they-re looking to see out the season on a high as well.”
The Jets need to win their clash with the Wanderers and hope other Round 27 results go their way to secure a spot in the top six.
Heskey believes the Jets have a strike force capable of breaking down the A-League-s best defensive side on the way to picking up the three points required to make the playoffs.
“I-m sure the manager will have a game plan for us, so we-ll have to sit down and discuss that,” Heskey said.
“They are very good in the air and they-ve been an outstanding back four all season, I-m not sure how many goals they-ve actually let in, but I know it-s not been many.
“It will be a tough battle, but I think we have a good enough team to break them down.
“We don-t want to get edgy or anything. There-s 90 minutes to play, so it doesn-t have to come in the first minute.”
While the Jets- season will be on the line on Friday, there-s plenty at stake for the Wanderers as well. A draw for the visitors will be enough for them to secure the Premiers- Plate in their inaugural season.
However, Heskey said he didn-t expect the Wanderers to sit back and play for a draw.
“Knowing them, they-ll probably want to go out and win and go out with a bang. We want to go out and win as well, so it-s going to be an interesting game,” Heskey said.
“As long as we get a good result, that-s the main thing for me. Trying to get into those playoffs, we-re a bit disappointed we-re not in there already, but it-s down to us and we-ve got one more game to play.
“We-re still upbeat, we know it-s in our own hands and that-s a nice situation to be in.
“If we go out there and do what we know we-re capable of doing, then we-ll see how things go (with the other games).”
Watch Emile Heskey’s full interview after this morning’s training session in the video below.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, March 29
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
