THE NEWCASTLE HERALD
By Robert Dillon
TEENAGE prodigy Ben Kantarovski will accompany the Newcastle Jets to Perth today and could even play in his preferred midfield role against the Glory on Friday night.
Kantarovski became the youngest debutant in A-League history last Friday night when he played in Newcastle's season-opening 1-all draw with Central Coast, aged 16 years, 208 days.
The Broadmeadow Magic junior played alongside Adam Griffiths in central defence, but that position is likely to be filled on Friday night by skipper Jade North, who has returned from Olyroos duty.
Van Egmond said after Kantarovski's classy debut that it would be important to limit his input, both during games and on the training pitch, to avoid burnout.
He will definitely travel west today, although van Egmond was undecided about what role he would play, if any, on Friday night.
"His main position is midfield, so we'll just have a look at him in there [at training] as well," van Egmond said.
"He played very well against Adelaide in the Pre-Season Cup in that area, so we may look at him there.
"But Jade will definitely slot in at left-side stopper."
Van Egmond said Danish import Jesper Hakansson was unlikely to travel to Perth because he was still recovering from a calf injury.
Asked when Hakansson would be ready to play, van Egmond replied: "Maybe next week [against Melbourne], but if not, then definitely against Sydney [in round four]."
The Jets will catch the red-eye home from Perth just hours after Friday night's game, rather than returning on Saturday morning.
"That's by choice," van Egmond said. "The quicker we get back, the better.
"The guys will get the whole day to catch up on their sleep on Saturday, and then we'll give them the Sunday off as well."
Meanwhile, van Egmond said he had heard of no new developments regarding North and his proposed transfer overseas.
It is understood that clubs from Turkey, France, Belgium and now Russia have made inquiries about the Socceroos defender.
Jets officials have indicated they have no objection to releasing him, but it remains to be seen whether any deal can be struck before the August transfer window closes.
Article Source http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/whizkid-ben-kantarovski-in-midfield-mix-after-impressive-jets-debut/1248487.aspx
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