Ryan Griffiths says that the depth of the Jets’ squad is one of the Club’s biggest strengths in the A-League this season.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Ryan Griffiths says that the depth of the Jets- squad is one of the Club-s biggest strengths in the A-League this season.
Griffiths said there was strong competition for places within the Jets squad in the lead-up to Friday night-s game against Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium.
“It-s really good. It-s a headache for Gary, but there-s definitely four or five players that can easily come into the first grade team and start tomorrow night,” he said.
“It-s a good headache to have and it-s one we-re going to use to keep all of our players fresh.
“For some of the young boys that have come in, they-re doing brilliantly. I think the main thing at the moment is that they-re playing with their heart on their sleeve and that-s getting us through the games.”
With regular right-back Scott Neville ruled out of the fixture with a groin injury, Josh Brillante is one such player who is in contention for selection in the Jets- starting XI.
Griffiths said he had full confidence that Brillante will be able to get the job done if called upon.
“He-s a good young player, he-s a smart player and I think he-ll be fine,” Griffiths said.
“He seems to know his role really well and intelligent players like that can come in and do a job, no problem.”
Griffiths has been employed as somewhat of a second striker behind front man Emile Heskey in the last two weeks and the 31-year-old said he is enjoying the role.
“Emile is an intelligent player who-s got plenty of experience and has played at the top level, so I knew it wouldn-t take him too long to settle,” Griffiths said,
“He came here with a professional attitude and didn-t underrate the league. He-s done everything perfectly.
“I love playing behind him. It-s really good having him there, he holds the ball up so well. I can run off him and I have the confidence to do that.
“To know that you have the midfielders in Jobe (Wheelhouse) and Ruben (Zadkovich) that are working extremely hard behind you, it-s good to have in the back of your mind because you can really have a go then.”
Three points against Melbourne on Friday night will give the Jets- their best ever start to an A-League season. Griffiths said there was a strong appetite for success within the Jets- playing squad.
“I haven-t been pleased with one victory because I just want to win every game and I-m pretty sure the whole team is on that same page,” he said.
“Of course you-re happy to win games, but we want to look further than that. We want to play better football and I think to win Championships, you have to play better football.
“As long as we keep that mentality and that winning attitude, we should have a good season.”
Griffiths sat out training on Wednesday with sore neck, but was back in action on Thursday and said he wasn-t in doubt for Friday-s game.
“The neck is pretty good. I trained for the full session today and it-s a little bit stiff, but there-s no problem there.”
Match details:
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Hunter Stadium
Friday, October 26
Kick-off 7.30pm (Gates open 6.30pm)
Tickets available from PROticket.
