Jets goalkeeper Ben Kennedy returned to full training for the first time this week since undergoing off-season knee surgery.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Ben Kennedy returned to full training for the first time this week since undergoing off-season knee surgery.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper had an arthroscope in April to remove accessory bone from his right knee.
Kennedy said he was relishing the opportunity to be back on the training paddock after a long rehabilitation period.
“It-s been a long 12 or 13 weeks and I-ve just been waiting to get back out there,” Kennedy said.
“It-s good to be out on the training pitch again with the rest of the boys and now I-m just working hard and trying to get my fitness back to where it was.”
Kennedy said the time spent recovering from the injury had only made him more determined to come back stronger.
“It-s very frustrating, but it-s important that you-re patient and do all the right things, so hopefully you don-t have to be in that position again,” Kennedy said.
“I-ve done all that, now I-ve just got to look after myself and get fit again. The rest will take care of itself.
After winning the Jets- Player of the Year award in 2011/12, Kennedy was hampered by the knee problem throughout the 2012/13 season and relinquished the starting goalkeeper spot to Mark Birighitti.
Now fully fit again, Kennedy said he is focused on doing all he can to push for selection in the Jets- Round 1 A-League match against Sydney FC on October 11.
“Last season for me was pretty much a write-off, this year I-m looking to stay fit so I can push to get the number one spot back,” Kennedy said.
“The most disappointing thing about having the injury last season was that it meant I couldn-t really challenge for the starting goalkeeper position.
“I-m looking forward to having a good pre-season now and hopefully putting my hand up to get picked for the first game.
“You always want to be playing games and you need to be playing games to keep your match sharpness, so hopefully I can get some games in the pre-season and push for selection.”
