Newcastle Jets midfielder Mitch Oxborrow says he is looking forward to making his first starting appearance for the senior team.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Mitchell Oxborrow says he is looking forward to making his first starting appearance for the senior team when the Jets take on Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night.
The absence of Ruben Zadkovich through injury means Oxborrow will have the opportunity to start in midfield in the QR National Cup match at Thomas and Coffey Park in Weston.
The 17-year-old says he is confident he-ll be able to handle any nerves he might get on game day.
“Obviously I-m really looking forward to it,” he said.
“In the beginning I might be a little bit nervous, but hopefully once I get into it those nerves will go away and I can have a good game.”
Oxborrow said having experienced campaigners like Jobe Wheelhouse and Ben Kantarovski alongside him in midfield would help him to relax.
“Jobe and Kanta have played a lot of games in the A-League and they-ll look after me without a doubt,” he said.
“Hopefully I can just ease into the match and do a good job with them in the midfield roles.”
Oxborrow said the whole Jets squad was looking forward to testing themselves against A-League opposition for the first time this pre-season.
“It-ll be a good hit out to see how we go after playing against some State League teams and hopefully we do well and get a win,” he said.
“Always in the pre-season it-s good to get game time, but it also helps to get a few wins under the belt so you can hopefully take that into the A-League season.
“It-s always going to be tough in pre-season, but the longer it goes for, the easier it gets. When the games start coming yoru fitness starts to show a bit more.”
Match details:
QR National Cup
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
Thomas and Coffey Park, Weston
Saturday, August 18
Kick-off 5pm
Entry $5 for adults, children under 16 admitted for free
