Kew Jaliens says he is fit and raring to go ahead of the Jets’ clash with Perth Glory at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Kew Jaliens says he is fit and raring to go ahead of the Jets- Round 13 Hyundai A-League clash with Perth Glory at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
Jaliens missed the Jets- 1-0 loss to Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium last weekend due to hamstring tightness, but is set to return to the centre of defence for tomorrow-s fixture against Perth.
“I feel good,” Jaliens said after training on Friday.
“I-ve had a good recovery, some good sessions with the physio and I think that I-m 100 per cent again.
“I-m someone who always wants to be involved with the team and especially if it is an away game, you-re not really involved.
“It was hard to watch the game against Adelaide on the TV, but it-s good to be back and to have a presence in the squad again.”
Despite having a week off, Jaliens said he expected his combination with fellow central defender Taylor Regan to pick up where it left off.
“From the beginning of the season, I-ve had a good connection with Taylor and I think the games we-ve played, we-ve played well together,” Jaliens said.
“I know what I can get from him and he knows what he can get from me, so we know each other-s capacities and we-re doing well.”
The Jets currently sitting in fifth place on the Hyundai A-League ladder, and a good result against the Glory will create separation on the ladder between Newcastle and the teams below them fighting for a top six spot.
Perth will be without a small number of key players against the Jets, including captain Jacob Burns, but Jaliens said that would not change the Jets- approach to the match.
“The most important thing to get results is to win your games at home,” Jaliens said.
“Even if their big-name players were there, it-s always a must win game when you-re playing at home.”
Jaliens has been buoyed by the arrival of his family who touched down in Australia on Christmas eve.
“It was a bit hot yesterday, so that-s the flip side because in Holland it is freezing at the moment,” Jaliens said.
“I-ve been with the kids to the beaches, they love to be outside, they love the weather and they like it here.”
Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory
Saturday, January 4
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
