Marc Janko is taking a positive out of his moment of regret with Austria, declaring he’s ready to show Sydney FC fans the good part of his game in his Sky Blues debut against fierce rivals Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
The club’s marquee man is likely to be rushed straight into the starting side for Saturday night’s blockbuster clash, fresh and firing from a full week’s training with the squad.
That wasn’t going to be the case this time last week, with the 31-year-old away on international duty with Austria.
But a rush of blood saw Janko lash out at Moldova goal-keeper Ilie Cebanu, shown a straight red card and ruling him out of last Monday’s clash with Montenegro and allowing him to return to Sydney earlier than expected.
While the incident has raised a few questions about Janko’s potential fiery temperament, the Austria skipper plans to make an impression for his football and nothing else.
“Every now and then it can happen. You see aggressive moments but most of all I’m most dangerous in the box,” Janko said.
“I try to play with a cool head. It’s not always happening as you can see in the last game with Austria but it’s just emotions which are influencing a player.
“You cannot always control yourself but most of all I’m in good control of myself.
“Don’t let me paint the wrong picture. I regret what I did in the game, it was not a good action at all.
“Although I got provoked from the goal-keeper, this cannot happen, especially at this level. But of course the positive thing about it is I can be available now for Sydney in the upcoming games. Every downside has its upside.”
There certainly is a huge amount of upside for coach Graham Arnold and the Sky Blues.
Despite performing admirably in the opening round draw with Melbourne City, Sydney lacked a focal point in attack which Janko will provide against the Wanderers.
“It’s not only about the derby. This is my first official game for the club so I’m obviously really excited about it,” Janko said.
“I’m told it’s a big game here, especially in Sydney. It will be a big crowd and I will love to fulfil the expectations and can get the three points.”
Arnold has ensured there will be extra spice to Saturday’s clash, claiming the Sky Blues are still the biggest club in town despite the Wanderers’ ACL success.
He also believes this weekend’s clash will be the best of the three derbies this season due to the fact it’s at Allianz Stadium and not at Parramatta like the next two will be.
“Without a doubt it’s the biggest derby of the three this year,” Arnold declared.
“There will be 42,000 at Allianz compared to when we go to Parramatta with 18,500. It’s the biggest derby of the season for us.
“I’m looking forward to it enormously on Saturday night, especially the crowd support.”