Petkovic backs ADP for historic goal

Sydney FC’s Nikola Petkovic has backed Alessandro Del Piero to make history and score the club’s 300th Hyundai A-League goal against the Jets on Saturday night.

Sydney FC defender Nikola Petkovic has backed striker Alessandro Del Piero to make history and score the club-s 300th Hyundai A-League goal this Saturday night at Aliianz Stadium.

The Sky Blues tally currently sits at 299 in the nine seasons of the Hyundai A-League and Petkovic says he won-t be putting himself in the picture to score.

“I don-t, I think I want to close the goal and make sure we-d don-t concede a goal and I hope Alessandro or anyone scores,” he said.

“My job is to put pressure on Taggart or Emile Heskey.”

The Serbian centre half knows it will be a tough clash against one of the best forward lines in the division but is happy the Sydney FC defence can cope.

“I saw Taggart score three goals, he-s a good player and Newcastle is a good team but now we have confidence and I play with confidence.

“It doesn-t matter who plays us we need to work hard.

“Emile Heskey is a big name and I respect every player the same, but we can fix this for sure.”

Petkovic will have extra reason to perform on Saturday with his family arriving for the first time to support him this week.

“I-m really happy, my son and my wife, it-s now great that they are here and I hope to keep the team good and everything will be ok,” he continued.

The 27 year old has also been boosted by the arrival of fellow Serbian Ranko Despotovic who he has managed to show around some parts of the city.

“Yes a little bit but there has been no time because of training and he has a little bit of problem with the time [difference].

“He is also happy, I tell him many good things about the club and in the first game after 20 minutes he scored a goal.

“It-s very good for him and good news for our club to have one more good player,” he concluded.

A win for Sydney FC on Saturday night will elevated them to 2nd in the Hyundai A-League ladder.