A 19-man squad has been named for this weekend’s clash with Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Ernie Merrick has signalled during the week that he’ll look to keep the faith in the youngsters – Pat Langlois and Angus Thurgate are both set to retain their place in the starting XI.
Another youngster who will see his patience rewarded is Bobby Burns, with the Northern Ireland youth international favoured to take up his place in the backline from the outset on Saturday.
Nigel Boogaard is listed as an in for this weekend’s squad, but is unlikely to see minutes as he continues to work on overcoming an adductor issue. However, his experience is likely to prove invaluable on the bench.
Newcastle Jets FC Squad: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 2.Bobby BURNS, 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 10.Dimi PETRATOS, 11.Nick FITZGERALD, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Matt MILLAR, 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 19.Kosta PETRATOS, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Matt RIDENTON, 25.Jack SIMMONS, 28.Pat LANGLOIS, 32.Angus THURGATE, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (1 to be omitted)
Ins: 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (promoted), 14.Kaine SHEPPARD (promoted), 25.Jack SIMMONS (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 8.Wes HOOLAHAN (ankle – indefinite), 9.Abdiel ARROYO (hamstring – 3-5 weeks)
