Several Central Coast young guns could get their chance to shine on the Hyundai A-League stage when the Mariners battle to end their winless streak against Newcastle at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Saturday night.
While the Jets have a place in the finals to play for, the Mariners are already planning for next season after finally being put out of title contention following a last-start defeat against Perth.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna is tipped to use the club’s final two matches to blood several youngsters with a view to using them more often next season.
Youth team captain Panny Nikas, Mitchell Mallia and Matthew Lewis have all been given Hyundai A-League debuts throughout the season and are chances of a call-up.
Brady Smith, Nathan Sherlock and Bernie Ibini-Isei have all impressed in the club’s table-topping National Youth League team during the past month and their solid efforts have been noticed by McKinna.
All six are chances to play a part against the Jets on Saturday night.
“Our youth team is leading the table and there’s been several boys playing very well,” McKinna said.
McKinna has delayed naming a final starting side with three first grade regulars battling injury. John Hutchinson, Andrew Clark and Matt Simon are all in doubt, while midfielder Michael McGlinchey has played his final game for the club this season after signing a loan deal with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell this week.
“We’ll monitor our injured guys, but the next two matches give us a chance to look at some young guys.”
