Taylor Regan says he is determined to cement his spot in the Jets’ starting XI after working hard for his opportunity this season.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Taylor Regan says he is determined to cement his spot in the Jets- starting XI after working hard for his opportunity this season.
Regan featured sparingly for the Jets in the early part of the season, but started and played the full 90 minutes in the Jets- 0-0 draw against Adelaide United last week, their first clean sheet of the season.
“It was the first clean sheet of the season, but it wasn-t so much just the back four-s job, it was the whole team,” Regan said.
“We had a game plan, Gary sent us out to do a job, we stuck to it and it paid off.
“It was good to be a part of the clean sheet, but at the same time, it doesn-t mean anything if we don-t back it up with a performance tomorrow against Brisbane.”
Regan said he is focused on maintaining a spot in the Jets starting side by performing consistently on a weekly basis.
“At the moment it-s just a week-to-week proposition and if I just continue the way I did on the weekend, hopefully I make sure that I can-t be dropped,” he said.
“Gary was very transparent. He let me know what parts of my game that I needed to work on.
“I had quite a decent season last year, but obviously it-s a new season, the league is improving and there were certain aspects of my game that Gary wanted me to pick up on.
“I went away, I did that and now he-s shown his faith in my by giving me a chance and hopefully I can repay him with more good performances.”
Regan said he expected to be kept busy by last season-s Golden Boot winner Besart Berisha when the Jets face the Roar at Hunter Stadium on Saturday
“He scores goals and I think his record speaks for itself. He-s a very good striker and I think we-ve got what it takes to stop him and the rest of the team,” Regan explained.
“But you can-t focus on one player, they-re a team of excellent players.
“At the end of the day, if you cut off the supply to him, you-ll nullify his opportunities.”
With the Jets currently among a number of teams locked in a battle for places in the top six, he said it was crucial that the whole team played with passion and commitment on Saturday.
“You play for yourself and you play for the fans and the club,” he said.
“I think on the weekend everyone did that and I think if we do that again tomorrow, we-re in with a shot.
“Brisbane are obviously a good side, but I think we have what it takes to beat them.”
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Saturday, January 12
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.45pm
Tickets from PROticket
Limited parking will be available for purchase at the car park entrances on game days for the remainder of the Jets 2012/13 season. Whilst there will be parking available for purchase, Hunter Venues does encourage patrons to pre-purchase their parking tickets at a PROticket outlet or online at www.proticket.com.au as parking is subject to availability.
