The Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Sunday’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Sunday-s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium.
Newcastle welcome back former Dutch international Kew Jaliens from suspension, bolstering their options in defence.
Earlier in the week, Jets assistant coach Craig Deans said the return of Jaliens would prove to be a big boost for the Jets.
“I think going back to the Brisbane game, his experience in situations like that where it-s a tough game, you-re under pressure, you need to defend very well, obviously someone with his experience and quality is a big loss so it-ll be nice to have him back,” he said.
“It-ll add a bit of stability to the back line and as with Emile he gives confidence to everyone else around him just with the way he carries himself during a game, so he-ll come back in.”
Deans also indicated new recruits Joel Griffiths and David Carney could be used to bring some added firepower to the Jets- starting XI after both players were used off the bench against Sydney FC last weekend.
“We have got people in the squad who can score goals, obviously we tried not to push Joel and David Carney too early but maybe it-s time to put them in and give them the opportunity to show us what they-ve got,” Deans said.
“We can keep clean sheets but if we don-t score goals we won-t win, so our focus needs to be on being positive and scoring goals and winning games.
“We have got people who can score goals so if they-re here and fit and able to play a game then possibly we need to start them.”
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 3. Taylor REGAN, 4. Kew JALIENS, 6. Zenon CARAVELLA, 7. Andrew HOOLE, 8. Ruben ZADKOVICH (c), 9. Emile HESKEY, 11. Craig GOODWIN, 13. Joey GIBBS, 14. Josh MITCHELL, 15. Josh BRILLANTE, 17. James VIRGILI, 21. Sam GALLAWAY, 20. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 22. Adam TAGGART, 23. David CARNEY, 24. Mitch OXBORROW, 29. Joel GRIFFITHS.
Ins: 4. Kew JALIENS (returns from suspension)
Outs: Nil.
Unavailable: 2. Scott NEVILLE (knee injury – long term) 18. Jacob PEPPER (knee injury – short term), 25. Mitch COOPER (knee injury – long term), 27. Nick WARD (knee injury – short term).
