After two injuries to the same knee in the past two A-League seasons it seems that it is just about time for Ben Kanatarovski’s luck to change.
After two injuries to the same knee in the past two A-League seasons it seems that it is just about time for Ben Kanatarovski-s luck to change.
The 21-year-old had the world at his feet as he trialled with German giants Bayern Munich, captained Australian youth sides and was called up to Socceroos camps before injuries plagued the start of what is hopefully going to be a long career for Kantarovski.
But now, having recently spent so much time on the sidelines, the midfielder is just looking to get back to playing regular first team football for the Newcastle Jets.
Kantarovski has had a strong pre-season and is confident he can get his career back on track in the ninth edition of the Hyundai A-League.
“It was extremely frustrating last season when I got injured, especially since I had only played five games since returning from an injury from the previous season,” said Kantarovski.
“But now I have got back into the swing of things and had a really good pre-season and am now looking forward to kick off.
“I am doing what ever I have to make sure that I will not get injured again.”
While he has big aspirations in football, the young gun knows where it all begins.
“My first goal is to fight to earn my spot in the starting eleven.
“I really want to re-establish myself as a first team player week in and week out and I believe that if I am available to play then I will be able to achieve that.”
With Newcastle missing the finals for the third time in a row last season the Jets have brought in some new recruits as they look to trouble the competition-s top sides.
“We have a few new players coming in that will further strengthen the squad.
“The likes of Kew (Jaliens), who brings with him a lot of experience, and Josh Mitchell, as well as Nathan Burns returning.
“There are also a lot of the younger players that look like they are really going to give it a go this year which shows that we are going to be a strong side throughout the season.”
The arrival of new players to the Jets has seen stronger competition develop for spots within the side which is something that Kantarovski thinks can only benefit his team.
“At the Jets we have a strong contest for each and every position on the field so I know I am not going to walk back into the team.
“We now have two or three players here that can justify playing in each position on the team as the playing group has a lot of versatility.
“Especially where I play in the midfield there is a lot of talent so you have to be on top of your game and one step ahead of the rest of the guys to make sure you are playing each week.”
While he admits that his current focus is getting onto the park in a Jets jersey, Kantarovski has always had career ambitions of playing overseas.
“It is still one of my major dreams to play abroad but I know that I have to stay injury free and get back into the form I was earlier in my career to get my foot in the door at a big overseas club.
“It was an amazing experience to have had the opportunity to go over and train at such a professional club like Bayern Munich.
“It gives you that extra motivation to work harder and get into a position you can play at a club like that.”
If Kantarovski can return to the level that had one of the world-s biggest clubs knocking on the door it could also see him feature in a green and gold kit.
“I was in a couple of the senior Socceroos camps when I was younger and getting into the national side is another goal I wish to achieve.
“I am aiming to establish myself, play good footy, get the recognition and eventually have the opportunity to play for my country.”
Kantarovski and the Jets kick off their 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season away to Sydney FC on October 11 before returning up the F3 for their home opener against Perth Glory on October 20.
