The Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Saturday’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
The Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Saturday’s blockbuster Round 10 clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
Scott Neville will miss the clash after being ruled out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while Zenon Caravella, Michael Bridges and Connor Chapman have all been added to the extended squad after performing strongly for the Jets-s National Youth League team last weekend.
Jets head coach Gary van Egmond indicated that Jacob Pepper would start at right-back in place of Neville against the Wanderers.
“I thought Jacob Pepper came in and did a good job against Melbourne Victory last weekend,” van Egmond said.
“He was extremely solid and he will retain his place.”
Van Egmond said he expected to make very few changes to the Jets- line-up which defeated Melbourne Victory 2-1 at AAMI Park last Sunday, meaning marquee strike Emile Heskey might once again start the game on the bench.
“It will be pretty much the same starting XI for this game, but on the bench there may be a few areas that we might look at so that we ensure that we get the right balance for this match,” van Egmond said.
“Emile is our marquee player and we all know how good and effective he is as a footballer and as I-ve stated before, it-s a little bit of horses for courses.
“We also have to take into consideration the fact that we-ve got some boys who are playing and doing really well at the moment and they deserve to be rewarded.”
Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 3. Taylor REGAN, 4. Kew JALIENS, 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6. Zenon CARAVELLA 7. Andrew HOOLE, 8. Ruben ZADKOVICH (c), 9. Emile HESKEY, 10. Nathan BURNS, 11. Craig GOODWIN, 12. Connor CHAPMAN, 15. Josh BRILLANTE, 16. Jacob PEPPER, 18. James BROWN, 19. Michael BRIDGES, 20. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 21. Sam GALLAWAY, 22. Adam TAGGART (two to be omitted).
Ins: 6. Zenon CARAVELLA (promoted), 19. Michael BRIDGES (promoted), 12. Connor CHAPMAN (promoted).
Outs: Nil.
Unavailable: 2. Scott NEVILLE (knee injury – long term).
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, December 14
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.45pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
