Three key Newcastle Jets players could make a return to action this weekend when Mark Jones’ men tackle Perth Glory at nib Stadium in Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Round 10.
Captain Nigel Boogaard, defender Daniel Mullen, and powerful attacker Andrew Nabbout have each been included in Jones’ preliminary squad to venture across the Nullarbor to face Kenny Lowe’s charges.
There is also a call up for young Newcastle Jets marksman Kristian Brymora who has been featuring for the Club in the FOXTEL National Youth League so far this season.
The return of Mullen means that Iain Fyfe – who has played three games for the Club since the F3 Derby in Round 7 – cannot feature again for the Jets at this time. Fyfe was on an injury replacement contract for Mullen.
Unfortunately Ben Kantarovski will has been ruled out of Hyundai A-League action indefinitely after he suffered a knee complaint against Sydney FC on December 4.
Coach Jones is delighted to have Mullen, Nabbout and Boogaard back in and around his squad for the Club’s test in the west.
Jones also gave credit to Fyfe for his contribution to the Club over the past month, and spoke about the reward Brymora is receiving for his good week on the training pitch.
“Dan Mullen and (Andrew) Nabbout will be back in and they will start the game which is excellent for us and gives us a stronger squad,” Jones said.
“‘Boogs’ (Nigel Boogaard) is travelling and there is a chance that he will play which is obviously even further good news.”
“At the very worst he (Boogaard) will be the plus one but there is a slight chance that he will be on the bench. Just to have him around the team with the other boys coming in is a big boost for the side.”
“Iain’s (Fyfe) stint is finished. He has done a magnificent job for us and we are very pleased with what he gave to the Club through his commitment and leadership. It was a pleasure having him involved.”
“It’s about what he (Brymora) does in training and this week I have noticed him at training, he has performed well and he deserved a reward. This week he has trained well and so he deserves his opportunity and I am pleased for him,” Jones concluded.
The Jets will leave for Western Australia this afternoon. The team will train in Perth on Friday, before tackling Glory at nib Stadium on Saturday night at 7pm local time (10pm AEST).
Newcastle Jets Squad vs. Perth Glory: 2. Daniel MULLEN, 3. Jason HOFFMAN, 4. Nigel BOOGAARD (C), 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 7. Andrew HOOLE, 8. Mateo POLJAK, 10. Wayne BROWN, 11. Labinot HALITI, 13. Ivan VUJICA, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Nicholas COWBURN, 18. MA Leilei, 20. Jack DUNCAN (gk), 23. Devante CLUT, 24. Kristian BRYMORA, 28. John KOUTROUMBIS, 30. Pierce CLARK (gk)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 2 Daniel MULLEN (returns from injury), 4. Nigel BOOGAARD (C) (returns from injury), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (returns from injury), 24. Kristian BRYMORA (promoted)
Outs: 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI (knee – indefinite), 12. Andy BRENNAN (omitted), 26. Iain FYFE (injury replacement contract complete),
Unavailable: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk) (achilles – season), 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI (knee – indefinite), 9. Aleksandr KOKKO (jaw – 2 weeks), 19. Morten NORDSTRAND (hip flexor – 1 week), 23. Daniel ALESSI (knee – season), 22. Lachlan JACKSON (ankle – 1-2 weeks)
Perth Glory vs. Newcastle Jets – Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Round 10
When: Saturday 10 December 2016
Where: nib Stadium, Perth, Western Australia
Kick-off: 7pm (local); 10pm (AEST)
Broadcast: LIVE on FOX SPORTS 505
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #PERvNEW
