The Newcastle Jets have brought in former goalkeeper Matthew Nash as a back-up for the injured Ben Kennedy, who is likely to undergo surgery on a chronic knee injury.
Newcastle Jets have brought in former goalkeeper Matthew Nash as a back-up for the injured Ben Kennedy, who is likely to undergo surgery on a chronic knee injury.
Kennedy picked up a minor knee injury during the pre-season and it has troubled him throughout the start of the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League campaign.
First-choice goalkeeper Mark Birighitti is in fine form but with third-string shot-stopper Jack Duncan on duty overseas in the United Arab Emirates with the Young Socceroos for the next three matches, the Jets are looking at drafting in Nash on an injury replacement contract for Kennedy.
“Ben (Kennedy) has an ongoing knee issue. We will know in a day or two if we can soldier through with him or if he needs an operation and he can recover and then we move on from there,” Jets coach Gary van Egmond said.
“So it is a case that he (Nash) could be a replacement for Ben and to make sure we have cover for Jack (Duncan) as well.”
Nash spent two seasons at the Jets between 2010 and 2012, making nine A-League appearances before being let go by the club at the end of last season.
He then played the 2012 season with Parramatta FC and will know later this week whether he will be required by the A-League club.
Jets skipper Jobe Wheelhouse said it was great to have the 31-year-old at training and would welcome him back to the Newcastle ranks.
“It was good to see Nashy in the change rooms before training,” Wheelhouse said.
“He is a good lad and he will bring a bit of laughter to the change room and he will be good for us.”
