With Newcastle Jets Head Coach Scott Miller opting against risking goalkeeper Mark Birighitti for Friday’s home game against Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium, long-serving custodian Ben Kennedy is looking to make a contribution to the team getting a positive result.
Kennedy, who replaced the injured Birighitti in the 79th minute of last week’s late defeat to Sydney FC wants to make amends for the team’s lapse in concentration in the final minutes against the Sky Blues.
“We probably could’ve come away with a point against Sydney but the team unfortunately copped one at the end,” Kennedy said.
“Everyone wants to play every game and I’m no different so hopefully I can put in a good performance and keep my spot for the following week”.
Although sympathetic for his team-mate Birighitti, Kennedy said he was happy to be in the first team again.
“It’s not the best way to come into the team but I’m happy to be playing and hopefully I can take my chance,” he said.
“It’s never nice to see an injury happen to a fellow goalkeeper, especially someone in your side and he [Birighitti] tried everything [to get fit] but didn’t quite come up so I’ll just be ready for the game”.
“He [Scott Miller] told me earlier in the week to be prepared as it was a bit of a long-shot for Birighitti”.
Jets captain Nigel Boogaard spoke of the squad having two number one quality goalkeepers earlier this week.
Kennedy was a regular starter throughout Newcastle’s Hyundai A-League 2015/16 campaign.
“It’s good to get a glowing endorsement from him [Boogaard] because he’s been around a while and to hear that definitely gives me confidence for the game,” Kennedy concluded.
Newcastle Jets vs. Melbourne Victory – Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Round 3
Friday 23 October 2015
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 7:40pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match
Memberships: Please click here to purchase a 2015/16 season membership
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