Ruben Zadkovich says it is imperative the Jets back-up their win over Brisbane with a strong performance against Sydney FC.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets captain Ruben Zadkovich believes it is imperative that the Jets back-up their impressive win over Brisbane Roar with another strong performance against Sydney FC at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
Zadkovich refused to call last weekend-s win over the competition front-runners a turning point in the season, but said another impressive showing against the Sky Blues on Saturday would hold the team in good stead for the remainder of the season.
“I don-t know if we-ve started a run yet, because at the moment it-s just been one game, but a win tomorrow at home will certainly put us in the right direction,” Zadkovich said.
“The way the competition is at the moment, if you can get back-to-back wins, it does a lot for you position-wise on the ladder.
“We know how important the game is and I guess the biggest thing I want to stress and emphasise to the boys is last week is forgotten now and it-s only going to matter what we do tomorrow.
“That-s what people are going to judge us on, so we really need to step-up and make sure we-re switched on.”
Zadkovich said the Jets needed to apply the same mentality and attitude they employed against the Roar to Saturday-s clash with Sydney FC.
“It-s been very positive this week, but we-ve been trying to keep our feet on the ground,” Zadkovich said.
“We know that consistency has been the biggest issue for us and off the back of a really good win against the top side, we want to win at home.
“Last week I think the reason we won the game was because our attitude was first class, not just from four or five players, but we had 16 players turn up and everyone who played their part really attacked the game in their role.
“I think that-s the key. If we start well and we start positively, I think we can win.”
The Jets are expected to be boosted by the return of striker Joel Griffiths from a two-match suspension as well as Socceroo David Carney proving his fitness to play some role in the match.
“We-re looking forward to seeing Joel again,” Zadkovich said.
“We missed him the last couple of weeks and I reckon he-s the type of character that will really want to make it up to the team as well.
“We all know what he-s capable of when he-s at his best and he-s been looking great at training.
“Dave Carney is another one who has 40 or 50-odd games for Australia, so to have him on the field in any capacity will be brilliant for us.
“It-s a big boost to have those two available.”
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
Saturday, February 22
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
