Dominik Ritter says he is ready to return to A-League action after playing 60 minutes for the Jets youth team last weekend.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Dominik Ritter is edging closer to making his return to the Jets- first team after playing 60 minutes in Newcastle-s 4-0 win over Western Sydney in the National Youth League last weekend.
Ritter started in the centre of defence in what was his first competitive outing since injuring his hamstring six weeks ago and the former Swiss under 21 international said he pulled up well after the match.
“I-m feeling good, I-m feeling fit now and I-ve worked very hard with the physio and there-s no pain at all,” he said.
“I played 60 minutes with the youth team last weekend just to get some game time and I-m confident now I can come back into the A-League this weekend.
“I feel fit and if the coach decides to put me on the pitch, I-m ready.”
Ritter said it had been a frustrating period for him personally but he was looking forward to making a return to A-League level.
“When you have to sit on the sidelines and watch and you know that you-re not able to help your team if something goes wrong, it just makes you feel bad,” he said.
“You just want to jump on the pitch to help out the team, but that-s the way it is and that-s part of the game.”
The Jets will be looking to bounce back from last weekend-s 2-1 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Heart this weekend.
“It was disappointing, but we have to understand that Wanderers are a really strong team and each week they are getting better,” Ritter said.
“We have to look forward. We have two home games now, two must wins and we have to get six points if we want to make the finals.
“After every loss you-re always a little bit down, but we-re still confident, we-ll pick each other up and we just have to show fighting spirit on the pitch, especially against the Heart who are just on top of us.”
Ritter said he is enjoying his time in Newcastle and would be happy to extend his stay with the Jets beyond this season.
“I-ve travelled around to a couple of places in Australia and I reckon Newcastle is a good spot. I like the team, the coaching staff and all the people are nice people,” he said.
“I do like it here, I do love living here, so we-ll see what happens.”
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart
Friday, February 15
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.30pm (Gates open 6.30pm)
Tickets from PROticket.
