Adam Taggart says the Jets are feeling ready and confident ahead of tonight’s Hyundai A-League season opener against Sydney FC.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets striker Adam Taggart says the Jets are feeling ready and confident ahead of tonight-s Hyundai A-League season opener against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
Taggart said the Jets have had a close to ideal preparation for the Round 1 blockbuster against the Sky Blues.
“The game is finally here and we-re all feeling fit and looking forward to it,” Taggart said.
“I feel really good and the preparation we-ve had here at the Jets has been fantastic.
“All the sessions and training have been really intense and we all feel very sharp.
“It-s going to be a big occasion for all of us, but just going off the preparation we-ve had, we-re all feeling really good and confident.”
Taggart said the depth and competition for places in the Jets- playing squad was a reason to feel buoyant going into Round 1.
“Last year was a great year for all the young players to really get bred through into the squad and get game time,” Taggart explained.
“This year we-ve got a great mix of senior players and younger players who can all do job and I think that competition for places has been the key to our pre-season.
“It is what has kept training so intense and the trial matches so fiery, because anyone can play anywhere and there-s competition in every single spot.
“Based on our pre-season games, we-ve done really well and progressed really well.
“Going into the game, I think as long as we stick to our game plan we-ll give it a good shake.”
Taggart is likely to play in the number nine role vacated by injured marquee Emile Heskey.
However, the 20-year-old said he wouldn-t feel any added expectations stepping into the shoes of the former England international.
“I don-t feel any extra pressure,” Taggart said.
“Obviously having Emile here has been great for us so far and it-s a big loss with him being injured.
“Now that he-s out, it-s obviously up to me to try and do the job that he-s been doing here.
“I-ve got to give my best for the team and hopefully we can come out of the game with three points.”
