Central Coast Mariners head coach Mark Jackson believes some of the club’s exciting young gun cans can become “big names” in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Jackson and two-time reigning champions the Mariners are gearing up for Saturday’s visit of Perth Glory at Industree Group Stadium in Round 3.
Teenage goalkeeping sensation Dylan Peraic-Cullen is expected to continue between the sticks, having made his professional debut in Round 1.
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Jackson – whose side have two points from two matches in 2024-25 – was asked about the 18-year-old shot-stopper and the Central Coast boss talked up the club’s talented prospects and strategy.
“We’re really pleased with Dylan’s performances. He’s had a good pre-season, along with the other two goalkeepers as well. They’ve been pushing each other really hard,” Jackson told reporters.
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“At this moment in time, Dylan got the nod. He’s performed really well. He’s growing every game which we want our young players to do.
“He is just one of a number of young goalkeepers here who’s performing really well and a number of young players really putting themselves in the shop window.
“Like I said after the Adelaide game, this is what we’re about. I’m going to blood young players this season and some of these young players are going to step forward and I’m sure become big names in the A-League.”
Jackson was also asked about stand-in captain and popular star defender Brian Kaltak.
Kaltak, who has clocked blistering speeds in the competition, is deputising in the absence of injured Socceroo Trent Sainsbury.
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Asked of the Vanuatu international was among the best athletes in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Jackson smile and said: “I think so.
“I look at his top speed. I think it was .1% off (France and Real Madrid superstar Kylian) Mbappe I think when I first came in and got told that.
“I got told to look at a certain clip when I first arrived. It was Brian making a recovery run and it was like he was in cruise control. He was still performing at that high speed.
“He is a fantastic athlete, person and player as well.
“He’s really taken to the mantle of captaining this team while Trent is out. I expect Brian to grow into the role as well.
“Remember, this is only his third professional season. He is fantastic ability but he can grow into that leadership role as well.”
