Zenon Caravella says he is fit and raring to go ahead of the Jets crucial showdown with Adelaide United on Friday night.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Zenon Caravella says he is fit and raring to go ahead of the Jets crucial showdown with Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.
After missing the Jets- last two matches with a hamstring injury, Caravella said he is eager to get back out on the park and have an impact against the Reds.
“It-s a very important game for us and I-m very much looking forward to it,” Caravella said.
“The body feels good. I-ve trained all week and got through yesterday-s session well.
“I think if we take in any of the form we showed against Perth last week, it-s very achievable to get three points.”
Caravella said he was able to provide the Jets coaching staff with some inside information about his former teammates, but said the game against his old club had no added meaning aside from that.
“Gary (van Egmond) has asked me a couple of questions, but he knows the way Adelaide plays very well,” Caravella said.
“He-s been watching them for a long time, so he knows what they-re all about.
“It doesn-t carry anymore significance for me playing against my old club. The fact that we need three points, it-s a big game for that reason.
“For me it-s another game, it-s another three points to win.”
Friday-s fixture is shaping as a must-win clash for the Jets as they look to maintain their spot in the A-League-s top six.
Caravalla said it is important the Jets don-t leave too much space in behind them as they push forward in search of all three points.
“We-ve got to find a balance,” he said.
“We can-t commit too many players forward, but in saying that we can-t sit back and defend as well, so we-re looking to take it to them.
“We just need to be careful in our transition from attack to defence. They-ve got a great team, but we just have to concentrate on what we do best and I-m sure we-ll do well.”
Caravella said the Jets had been boosted by the news of Michael Bridges re-signing with the club for another season.
“I think it-s a fantastic signing for the club. Bridgey-s a great player and I-m sure everyone is excited by that news,” Caravella said.
“He brings leadership and is a player with an x-factor. He can create things from nothing and I think that-s something that we need.
“Bridgey always makes himself available which is good if I pick it up deeper in our half. That-s the leadership qualities that we need.”
