The rapid improvement of midfielder James Jeggo has been one of the few shining lights for Melbourne Victory this Hyundai A-League season.
The rapid improvement of midfielder James Jeggo has been one of the few shining lights for Melbourne Victory this Hyundai A-League season.
Jeggo made his Victory debut back in November when he came on as a substitute against Central Coast, but has only really blossomed since the mid-season arrival of new boss Jim Magilton.
The 20-year-old won his first A-League start in Victory’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Mariners last month and is now establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects in the country.
“I have really enjoyed it,” Jeggo said after Victory training.
“In your first couple of games you just try and keep it simple and do a job for the team and as things go on you do get more comfortable and confident.”
“You just try and build on each game and I am really enjoying helping the boys try and get results.”
Jeggo said Magilton had played a huge role in his improvement and he would throw his support behind the Northern Irishman becoming the permanent manager at Victory next season.
“He (Magilton) gave me a chance and I am really grateful for that,” he said.
“He is making some positive changes, the training has been good, you can see he is trying to do something and given time it will work.”
Although Jeggo has been in some excellent form of late, the same can’t be said about a disappointing Victory side.
Victory have won just two matches in 2012 and Jeggo knows his own good form means nothing unless it helps his team gain better results.
“For me it has been positive playing in the first team, but when push comes to shove that is not what it’s about,” Jeggo said.
“It is about the team doing well.”
“It hasn’t really been going our way, but hopefully me and the team can build for next season.”
With Victory eight points outside the top six and with just three games remaining, it looks highly unlikely that Jeggo’s side will feature in the A-league finals this season.
But the impressive youngster is not giving up hope and said there is still plenty to play for in the remaining three matches, starting with Saturday’s Big Blue clash against Sydney FC.
“As far as we are concerned the season isn’t over as yet,” Jeggo said.
“Everyone has still got something to play for, so we are back here today working hard and looking forward to the weekend.”
