Versatile Newcastle Jets recruit Wayne Brown is hopeful of making his competitive debut for the club next Wednesday night when Scott Miller’s side challenge Kevin Muscat’s Melbourne Victory in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32.
Brown, who has played in the Emirates FA Cup in the past, scored a goal from outside the area in his first trial match for the Jets earlier this week against Central Coast Mariners in Tuggerah.
The former Fulham FC and SJK (Finland) man said he was pleased with his first outing for the Jets on the Coast, but knows the tempo and challenge will rise in Broadmeadow on Wednesday when the reigning Westfield FFA Cup Champions arrive in town.
“I think they [Melbourne Victory] are one of the best clubs in the [Hyundai] A-League, so it is going to be a tough test for us,” Brown told local press on Friday.
“We have four or five days now to put everything into training to be in the starting side for the game. Competition for places is really strong this year, so we have to do everything we can as players to put our name on the [team] sheet.”
“I managed to catch Victory’s last game on TV and they have got some really good players. They played against a great opposition [Juventus] and got a fantastic result.”
“The aim of the game is to get through to the next round, but we also have to use the opportunity to better our team for the future. We are playing in front of our home fans and we want to have a high tempo to the game and give the fans everything,” he said.
Brown has enjoyed numerous memorable moments in Cup football, especially in his native England, in the past. He made his Fulham FC debut against Bristol Rovers in the Emirates FA Cup, which then led to a loan move to the men from the Memorial Stadium.
While at Bristol, Brown was part of a side that knocked out the Premier’s League’s Watford FC on penalties.
Of course, Wednesday’s clash with Victory could go all the way to spot kicks should the score be level at both full-time and full-time in extra-time.
Brown says he will have no qualms in putting his hand up to take a penalty if a shoot out does eventuate.
“I managed to play for Bristol Rovers and we got a good win against Watford in a penalty shoot out [in the FA Cup],” Brown said.
“I am looking forward to this one – it will be my first competitive game if I am picked by the gaffer, and I am looking forward to playing in front of our crowd.”
“I am happy to step up and take a penalty. I have taken them before in my career, so if called upon I will have my hand up for sure,” Brown concluded.
Newcastle Jets vs. Melbourne Victory – Westfield FFA Cup 2016 Round of 32
When: Wednesday 3 August 2016
Where: Magic Park, Broadmeadow
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Gates open: 6:30pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match
Social media: Join the match conversations using #NEWvMVC & #FFACup
