New Newcastle Jets signing Steven Ugarkovic says he’ll be ready to make his Hyundai A-League debut in the city of churches this Sunday should Scott Miller opt to start him or select to introduce him as a substitute.
Ugarkovic spoke will local press for the first time since his arrival at the club on Wednesday after undertaking an intense session with teammates at Ray Watt Oval at the University of Newcastle.
While it’s natural that the former NK Osijek midfielder is still finding his feet in the Hunter Valley given he only arrived in Newcastle from his Australian U23 commitments in Qatar late last Saturday, the 21-year-old says he’s eager to make an impact on the pitch as soon as possible.
“Obviously I am still getting used to things, but if he [Miller] needs me I am 100 per cent ready,” Ugarkovic said.
“It was a good, tough session today and it has been nice meeting all the boys, so it’s good just to get stuck in.”
“I had a whole month over there [in Qatar] with the Olyroos to get ready mentally, so I am looking forward to getting straight into the squad and training and playing.”
“We’re just doing our best as a team to regroup and get ready [for Adelaide United],” he said.
Ugarkovic said that while there is no hiding for the club from Sunday’s disappointing defeat to Perth Glory at Hunter Stadium, what he’s witnessed in training and from the club’s coaches this week has impressed him.
“Obviously it [defeat to Perth] wasn’t the best result,” he said. “But it didn’t change my mind about anything about the club, the team, or the direction of the club.”
“I was impressed with the quality of the team [in training] and also the way they’ve picked themselves up after a big loss.”
“They are all staying together as a team and Scott has been getting their heads up which is good, so I am positive we can get a good result on the weekend,” he said.
Adelaide United vs. Newcastle Jets – Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Round 17
Sunday 31 January 2016
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Kick-off: 4:30pm (local); 5:30pm (AEDT)
TV: Live on Fox Sports 505
Radio: Live on 1233 ABC Newcastle and ABC Grandstand
Social Media: Use #ADLvNEW to join the match conversation
