The Newcastle Jets have signed former Perth Glory goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski as cover for the Club’s injured shot-stoppers.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets have signed former Perth Glory goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski as cover for the Club-s injured shot-stoppers.
Vrteski made 13 appearances for the Glory during two separate stints at the Club in the 2006/07 and 2009/10 seasons.
The 24-year-old former Young Socceroo arrived in Newcastle on Wednesday after playing 18 matches with Persija Jakarta in the Indonesian Premier League last season.
With Ben Kennedy already missing with a knee injury, Vrteski was given the opportunity to link up with the Jets as injury cover after Mark Birighitti fractured his cheekbone during last Sunday-s 3-0 loss to Wellington.
Vrteski said he would be looking to put his best foot forward during his time with the Jets.
“It-s really unfortunate what has happened to Mark, especially considering how well he was playing,” Vrteski said.
“He-s a Perth boy as well and a good friend of mine and you never like to see that sort of injury.
“I-ve got a good opportunity now and I just need to train well and do the best I can to help the team. If I get a chance to play I-m confident I can do a good job.”
Scott Neville and Josh Mitchell were teammates of Vrteski while he was at the Glory and he said knowing them had made it easier to settle in.
“Scott has been great since I first made contact with the Jets and he-s offered to let me stay at his place,” Vrteski said.
“It definitely helps having familiar faces like Scott and Josh here to help you settle in.
“It-s a good environment here and even though the last result was not what they wanted, I can see the way they’ve trained today and I know they-ll be keen to bounce back.”
