Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart has promised to be his aggressive self as he prepares to come up against his former club for the first time on Saturday night.
The 23-year old won the Golden Boot for his 16-goal haul while at the Newcastle Jets and has fond memories of his time at the Hunter club, but come this weekend Taggart said the pleasantries would stay off the pitch.
“I had such a good time there in terms of the last 12 months I had, so Newcastle has a special place in my heart, but at the same time I’m going to be as aggressive as normal and go out there looking to win,” Taggart told www.perthglory.com.au
The striker is also determined to earn a recall to Kenny Lowe’s starting side, having been restricted to the bench in recent weeks due to a minor calf injury.
“Of course I want to start; I want to start every game… It’s up to the boss, we’re against Newcastle at home, so I hope we’re really going to take it to them and give the home fans something to cheer about,” said Taggart.
“It’s a big game for us, we’ve come off a decent result (1-1 with Melbourne Victory), but a fairly average performance, so we’re all motivated and looking forward to sort of putting the performance right and we’re at home, so we’re always looking for three points.
The Socceroos striker burst out of the blocks on his first start for Glory at nib Stadium, netting twice against the Mariners in Round 1, and is hoping he can quickly rediscover that form.
However Taggart was quick to point out there are no guarantees for any player in Kenny Lowe’s squad as the Perth local eyes just his second start of the season.
“We’ve got a team of class players, so there’s always competition for spots, and that’s half the reason I came back to the club,” said Taggart.
“I don’t want to be in a team where it’s just you’re guaranteed to play every week because it doesn’t push you and drive you to be a better player and a better person.
“I’m constantly looking forward to the challenge and yeah, it’s a good headache for the boss.”
Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets at nib Stadium on Saturday night, kick-off 7pm local (10pm AEDT) and the match will be attended by former coach Bernd Stange who will take part in pre-match and post-match functions. Tickets can be purchased HERE
