After joining the Newcastle Jets from their fiercest rivals at the beginning of the season, Irishman Roy O’Donovan has proved to be a vital addition to the squad.
Considered one of most in-form players in the Hyundai A-League after scoring seven goals in seven games, he suffered a groin injury against Perth Glory in December which was expected to rule him out for three months.
But the 32-year-old has had a magnificent turnaround and appears ready to return well ahead of schedule.
We caught up with O’Donovan ahead of the Jets’ crucial match against Melbourne City on Thursday at AAMI Park, as part of our “Extra Time” series.
The striker discusses everything from the road to recovery and dealing with an injury, as well as the help he has received in getting back to full fitness.
He also opens up on new Argentine recruit Patricio Rodriguez and why he thinks the Jets are flying high this season.
“We all help and complement each other. [Rodriguez] is terrific talent and hopefully he can set me up plenty of goals and vice versa,” O’Donovan told www.a-league.com.au.
“Everything has gelled terrifically well because Ernie Merrick is a very experienced guy, a good man manager and it’s been a very fun place to be.
“Confidence breeds confidence, and you win one game and then the second game and you get that momentum that people talk about.”
WATCH THE CHAT WITH O’DONOVAN IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
