Coach Craig Deans has shown confidence in some of the younger players in the Newcastle Jets squad with Angus Thurgate, Luka Prso and Ramy Najjarine all starting the last three matches.
Steven Ugarkovic has been sidelined with a back injury for the past few weeks but has been named in the squad to face Macarthur this weekend.
“He’s trained properly today for the first time in 6-7 days, so he’s an option for us, whether he starts on the bench or we start him,” Deans said.
“I haven’t decided that yet bit it’s nice to see him out running around.”
Ugarkovic’s injury has allowed players such as Prso and Najjarine to come into the squad and enjoy consistent game time.
“They’re all 20-21 years of age, it’s a great opportunity for them, it’s what you wait for and it’s what you want as a footballer.” Deans said
“I think you’ve seen some improvement in the last two or three weeks from them having to take responsibility without Stevie there.”
Jason Hoffman also picked up a knock just before half-time during the week and will not feature on Sunday.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268485001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6249138751001
While Hoffman’s injury comes as a blow to the Jets, Deans is confident he has the players to fill the role and do well for the team.
“It’s an opportunity for maybe Val (Yuel) to come in but whoever plays has got to take the opportunity,” he said.
Sunday, 18 April 2021 – Macarthur FC v Newcastle Jets at Campbelltown Stadium, Campbelltown. Kick-Off: 6:10pm (Local)(6:10pm (AEST))
Referee: Lachlan Keevers Assistant Referee 1: Matthew Cream Assistant Referee 2: Nathan MacDonald Fourth Official: Kurt Ams VAR: Chris Beath
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 6:05pm (AEST), Sky Sport 7 (New Zealand), Kayo Sports (www.kayosports.com.au ) and MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #MACvNEW
To purchase tickets visit www.a-league.com.au/tickets
Macarthur FC squad: 1.Adam FEDERICI (gk),2. Jake MCGING, 3.Antony GOLEC, 4.Benat ETXEBARRIA, 5.Mark MILLIGAN ©, 8.Denis GENREAU, 9.Milislav POPOVIC, 10.Loic PUYO, 11.Tommy OAR, 12.James MEREDITH, 14. Moudi NAJJAR 15.Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16. Nick SUMAN (gk), 21.Jake HOLLMAN, 22.Liam ROSE, 24.Charles M’MOMBWA, 27.Matt DERBYSHIRE, 29.Antonis MARTIS, 31.Lachlan ROSE, 33.Markel SUSAETA
**2-4 to be omitted**
Ins: 14.Moudi NAJJAR (promoted), 2. Jake McGING (promoted), 22. Liam ROSE (promoted)
Outs: 6.Aleksandar JOVANOVIC (injury – calf 1-2 weeks)
Unavailable: 7.Ivan FRANJIC (injury calf 1-2 weeks)
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268485001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6248712958001
Newcastle Jets squad: 1.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 8.Liridon KRASNIQI, 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 11.Ramy NAJJARINE, 14.Ali ABBAS, 16.Matt MILLAR, 17.Valentino YUEL, 19.Kosta PETRATOS, 20.Syahrian ABIMANYU, 21.Luka PRŠO, 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Jack DUNCAN (gk), 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 26.Archie GOODWIN, 27.Lucas MAURAGIS, 32.Angus THURGATE, 33.Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (c), 51.Jordan LENNON.
**2-4 to be omitted**
Ins: 51.Jordan LENNON (promoted), 6.Steven UGARKOVIC (promoted), 14.Ali ABBAS (promoted), 27.Lucas MAURAGIS (promoted), 19.Kosta PETRATOS (promoted)
Outs: 3.Jason HOFFMAN (groin injury – 1-2 week)
Unavailable: 5.Ben KANTAROVKSI (calf – 1 week), 2.Johnny KOURTROUMBIS (MCL – 3-4 weeks), 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (Leg – 3-4 weeks), 15.Tete YENGI (Foot – 4-6 weeks)
