The Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Friday night’s final round game against the Wanderers.
The Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Friday night’s final round game against the Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
Emile Heskey returns to the squad following a calf injury and will play in the must-win game.
Jets head coach Gary van Egmond said he was delighted to have his marquee striker back on deck.
“The squad won-t be too different from the Adelaide game. Obviously Emile comes back, but apart from that it won-t be too different,” van Egmond said.
“The experienced players help the confidence when a situation arises to ensure that it-s a positive outcome.
“It will be good to have Emile and (Michael Bridges) linking up again, not only from the point of view of those two trying to combine, but the other players that they bring into play as well.
“I think Zenon and Ruben have been doing a very good job in midfield as well.”
The Jets are expecting their biggest home crowd of the season on Friday and Van Egmond said he is confident his players will be ready for the big occasion.
“I think everyone has to stand up and everyone will play a part,” van Egmond said.
“There will be times where each individual will have their own moment and there will be big moments within the game that will decide it.
“It-s important for us to take the chances when they come along and to defuse anything they try and do to hurt us.”
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ben Kennedy, 2. Scott Neville, 3. Zenon Caravella, 5. Dominik Ritter, 7. James Brown, 8. Ruben Zadkovich, 9. Emile Heskey, 11. Connor Chapman, 12. Josh Brillante, 14. Taylor Regan, 15. Craig Goodwin, 17. James Virgili, 19. Michael Bridges, 20. Mark Birighitti (gk), 21. Marko Jesic, 22. Adam Taggart, 25. Mitch Cooper, 26. Andrew Hoole.
Jets supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets for Friday’s do-or-die clash with the Wanderers from PROticket to secure the best seats and avoid queues on the day.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, March 29
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
