Newcastle stand-in goalkeeper Neil Young has voiced his desire to maintain his starting spot in the Jets’ starting side ahead of youngster Ben Kennedy.
Young was thrust into his Hyundai A-League debut just three weeks ago when Kennedy injured his groin in the warm-up before Newcastle’s Round 14 clash against the North Queensland Fury.
The 30-year-old went on to keep a clean sheet in his first start as the Jets triumphed 2-0 at home. A 1-0 loss to Wellington in Round 15 week was followed up with a sparkling 3-1 away win over Sydney FC last weekend giving Young two wins and a loss from his three starts and he is hoping it is enough to keep his spot in the first team
“It takes more than two or three games to prove myself but I think I am putting a good case forward,” Young said.
“Keeping clean sheets helps – but it is just not me who keeps a clean sheet – if the defence plays well then it makes my job a whole lot easier. If I getting clean sheets then hopefully I can keep my spot.”
With Kennedy looking likely to be passed fit to play in this week’s away clash with Adelaide United, Newcastle Jets coach Branko Culina will have an interesting decision to make between the two custodians.
Kennedy shows great potential but has come under fire for some rash decisions in the first half of Newcastle’s season that have led directly to opposition goals and subsequent losses.
Culina admitted Young was just a No.2 keeper when he arrived at the club earlier this year but said the 30-year-old glovesman has trained hard and deserved to earn his shot at the top spot.
For his part Young said he would love to keep his spot in the run-on side and hopefully extend his contract with the Jets.
“He (Kennedy) started doing training last week, but I asked him to take an extra week’s holiday,” joked Young.
“But it’s been good and very exciting. Obviously I want to stay here and get a new contract and if I keep doing well and keep doing my job hopefully the performances will speak for themselves.”
“If the club wants to re-sign me I am happy to stay. I can’t harm my chances with the more games I play.”
Young said the confidence the team has garnered from last week’s historic win over Sydney will be carried into this week’s clash with Adelaide.
“We are up for the game and we are buzzing so we will be right.”
