James Virgili says he hopes to contribute on the scoresheet more frequently for the Jets throughout the 2013/14 A-League season.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets winger James Virgili says he hopes to contribute on the scoresheet more frequently for the Jets throughout the 2013/14 A-League season.
The 21-year-old scored a brace in the Jets- 3-0 trial match win over Weston Bears FC at Rockwell Automation Park on Thursday night.
Virgili said he is hoping to carry his goal-scoring form throughout the pre-season and into the season proper.
“It-s always good to get goals in pre-season and that-s probably something I lacked in my game a bit last season in the A-League,” Virgli said.
“Hopefully I can keep scoring in our pre-season matches and that will give me confidence to do the same in the A-League.”
Jets head coach Gary van Egmond said he was pleased with the signs shown by Virgili in Thursday-s trial match and during the pre-season so far.
“Going forward he was really good,” van Egmond said.
“We can still work on his final delivery, but that-s not only him, it-s also about the runs in the box that make it easier for him to hit targets.
“The real positive was he got on the scoresheet. One of the few things that-s been lacking in his game is actually converting the chances from all the good work he does, so getting a couple of goals will give him a lot of confidence in that respect.”
Virgili was employed on the right wing of a four-man midfield in the Jets- 3-4-3 formation.
He said he is steadily growing more confident in the new role and adjusting to the added defensive duties that come with playing in that position.
“I have a bit more defensive responsibility and have to track back a bit more, which is OK because I-m fit enough to do it,” Virgili said.
“It gives us a few more options up front because we-ve got the two number 10-s, so if I can keep on getting up and down the field I can link up with them.
“Obviously it will be more challenging the harder the opposition gets and if I get a few more games in that role during the pre-season it will help me improve.”
