THE NEWCASTLE HERALD
By James Gardiner
NEWCASTLE Jets wannabe Joe Keenan is adamant he has the game to make an impact in the A-League.
A former wingback at Chelsea, Keenan and fellow triallist Antun Kovacic trained with the Jets for the first time at Newcastle University yesterday.
They will spend three days in Newcastle, culminating with a hit-out against Budgewoi tomorrow.
Keenan is no stranger to the A-League.
The former England under-20 representative made 12 appearances for Melbourne Victory last season.
He has a year to run on his contract in Melbourne, but is on the outer and is unlikely to return to Victoria.
"I have another year, but obviously things have not gone as well as I had hoped," he said. "I got a few injuries and a long suspension and lost my place in the team.
"Now I just want to get out and start playing. [Jets coach] Gary [van Egmond] has invited me here to train and have a look at me."
Keenan arrived in Melbourne amid much fanfare.
A natural left-footer, he spent four years at Chelsea, making two appearances in the English Premier League before loan stints at Belgian club Westerlo and Willem II in Holland.
"Without sounding conceited, my CV is pretty good," Keenan said. "This league is getting better every year. There are some good players here, but I certainly consider myself adequate to play in this league.
"I came here because I wanted a new start. It was a new league and Melbourne were an ambitious team.
"OK, it did not go as well as I'd hoped. Football is a short career. You have to turn the page and start again and hope it goes better for you."
The Jets have been searching for a natural left-sided wide man since losing Argentinian Mateo Corbo at the end of the first season.
Matt Thompson was used as a makeshift left back last season and midfielder Adam D'Apuzzo, who is a lefty, has also filled that role at times.
"I know there is a space here on the left side, it is up to me to grab it," Keenan said.
Three days is not a long time to impress.
Keenan returns to England on Saturday, possibly for good, but is confident of making a good impression.
"There are two kinds of trials and you never really know what clubs are looking for," Keenan said. "There is the one where they want you to come and shine and be outstanding. That is difficult to do when you are here for three days.
"The other is where they want to check that you are fit and that you can fit in with the players, make sure you are not a pain in the arse. Gary and his staff have probably seen me [in action for Melbourne] at the start of the season. I'm not too old, I'm only 25, so hopefully this trial will be the latter."
Central defender Kovacic also spent time at Melbourne, making two appearances as a short-term injury replacement, during the Victory's inaugural campaign and now plays for Richmond in the Victoria Premier League.
The Jets have three places to fill on their roster.
Article Source http://theherald.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/englishman-keen-to-join-jets-squad/778929.aspx
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