Newcastle Jets recruit David Carney has not ruled out the possibility of making his Jets debut in Sunday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix at Hunter Stadium.
Newcastle Jets recruit David Carney has not ruled out the possibility of making his Jets debut in Sunday-s clash with Wellington Phoenix at Hunter Stadium.
Carney, who has earned 48 caps for the Socceroos, joined is new teammates for his first training session in Jets colours on Tuesday morning.
Despite not having played a competitive football match since his former Club New York Red Bulls were knocked out of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs in early November, Carney said he might be available for a cameo off the bench against Wellington on Sunday.
“The first session is always hard, but I-m happy to get it out of the way and I-m looking forward to the game on the weekend,” Carney said.
“Hopefully I can get a few more good sessions in like that and hopefully be involved.
“I think it-ll just come down to how the legs are tomorrow. I-m not 22 anymore, so it just doesn-t come naturally.
“I-m hoping that I pull up alright tomorrow and then come Friday and Saturday we-ll see if I-m OK to get involved.
“Maybe a bench spot, that-s what I-m aiming for, but it might be too early for that and at the end of the day it comes down to the coach.”
Carney said his first impressions of Newcastle and his new teammates had been a positive one.
“Just based on training today the boys are all sharp and they-re looking good,” Carney said.
“There-s a lot of good young ones so hopefully I can just add a bit of experience to the team.
“I-m really looking forward to coming in straight away, hopefully performing and helping the boys get into the playoffs – that-s the main objective at the minute.
“I-ve played against a few of the boys before like (Joel) Griffiths and (Nick) Ward and obviously I played alongside (Ruben) Zadkovich at Sydney FC, so I know a few of them.
“There-s quite a few good young players here as well, so that-s great for Newcastle and the future of the Club.”
Carney said that while his preference is to play in a more attacking role, he would also feel comfortable filling the left-back position if called upon.
“I-d like to play further up the park, I think that-s my more natural position, but I-ll do whatever is best for the team,” Carney said.
“If it means me playing further up the park or at the back, I-ll happily do either.”
Carney was hopeful a strong showing for the Jets over the final 10 Rounds of the Hyundai A-League season would put him in the frame for selection in Ange Postecoglu-s World Cup squad.
“I-ve just got to concentrate on Newcastle and do the best that I can, that-s all I can do,” Carney explained.
“If a World Cup call-up comes, I-d obviously be delighted, but at the minute I-ve just got to concentrate on playing as best as I can for Newcastle.
“It all comes down to my performances from now until the end of the season, so it-s up to me.
All I-ve got to do is try my hardest in training and in games, give it my all and If I-m not picked, I-m not picked, but at least I-ll have no regrets.
“I think anyone coming back (to the A-League) now is in the public eye and if you-re performing, you-re going to get noticed.
“I think the way the A-League is at the moment, it-s a very high quality and very competitive, so if you-re performing you-re going to be watched, so I-m hoping I can do that.”
Photo courtesy of Kevin Airs (words-and-pix.com)
David Carney played junior football for New South Wales Institute of Sport.
Have you registered to play football this season? Register today www.myfootballclub.com.au
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
Sunday, February 9
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5pm
Tickets available from PROticket.