Josh Brillante has returned from Young Socceroos duty full of confidence ahead of Saturday’s F3 Derby against the Mariners.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Josh Brillante has returned from the Young Socceroos- recent two-match series against Portugal full of confidence and is hopeful putting his hand up for selection for Saturday-s F3 Derby.
Brillante was one of four Jets players selected for the Young Socceroos squad along with teammates Connor Chapman, Mitch Oxborrow and Adam Taggart.
“It was a great couple of games, especially to go play over in Portugal. It-s a nice place and the weather was nice there too,” Brillante said.
“Portugal is one of the best teams in the world for our age, so it-s good to learn things from playing against them that you can bring back to your Club.
“Unfortunately we came back with two losses, but we played quite well in those games, so we were reasonably happy with our performances.
Both Brillante and Taggart found the back of the net as the Young Socceroos lost the first match against the Portugese 2-1, before going down in the second match 4-1.
“It was good that both of us got a goal, especially for me because I don-t often score,” Brillante said.
“We can take the confidence from that and bring it back here to our Club and hopefully we can score a couple for the Jets now.”
Brillante looms as a possible replacement for regular Jets right-back Scott Neville, who is in doubt for Saturday-s F3 Derby with a groin injury.
Despite his recent hectic schedule, Brillante said he is confident he will be ready to play against the Mariners if called upon.
“It was a long trip travel-wise, but I think in a couple of days we should hopefully be fine to play,” he said.
“I-ll just wait and see how everything is going with the team, work hard at training and see what happens. Hopefully I can put my hand up to be chosen.
“With Tags (Adam Taggart) having started our first game of the year for the Jets, I-m sure he-ll be keen to work his way back into the starting squad as well.”
A large crowd is expected for Saturday’s fixture and Jets Members and supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets and arrive early to avoid queues.
This season mark five years since the Jets defeated the Mariners in the 2008 Grand Final to win their first A-League Championship.
The Jets will be marking the anniversary prior to kick-off when the Westpac Rescue Helicopter delivers the A-League Championship trophy to the field, accompanied by Newcastle football legends Andy Roberts and Cheryl Salisbury.
Parking information for the match can be found by clicking HERE.
Match Details:
F3 Derby
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Hunter Stadium
Saturday, October 20
Kick-off at 5.30pm (gates open 4.30pm)
Tickets from PROticket
Join 11,000 others and become a Jets Member before Saturday’s blockbuster F3 Derby clash against the Central Coast Mariners. CLICK HERE to join.
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