Dutchy Prepares Kennedy For Long-awaited Return
Newcastle Herald
Thursday September 11, 2008
HE has not pulled on his gloves in the A-League since November 26, 2006 an absence spanning 38 games and 655 days.
But goalkeeping understudy Ben Kennedy is preparing as though he will be the Newcastle Jets' last line of defence in Saturday night's clash with in-form Sydney FC at EnergyAustralia Stadium.The towering 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for Newcastle but has not been required since the arrival midway through the second A-League season of Ante Covic.Covic has played every minute of every game since joining the Jets.But he has been away with the Socceroos for the past two weeks preparing for their World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in Tashkent overnight and is not expected to return until 6.30pm tomorrow.Jets coach Gary van Egmond hopes Covic and fellow national squad member Jade North will be fit for duty on Saturday night but has briefed Kennedy for the possibility that he will be required."Benny's a chance of playing this week, and I've told him that's the persona and character I want him to have at training," van Egmond said yesterday."He's been very upbeat and buoyant at training, and I want him to keep that up because on any given week we might need him to come in and cover for Ante."Van Egmond said he was "very confident" that Kennedy could do the job if required.The Broadmeadow Magic product said he felt he was a better all-round player than when he previously appeared in the A-League."I've been part of the team for a few years now, so I'm pretty confident I can get the job done," Kennedy said."Last time I was in the team, I was pretty young and wasn't really expecting to play as many games as I did. Training with Ante, I feel I've learned a lot off him and I'm better prepared if I do get a call-up."Signed to a two-year deal, Kennedy could become Newcastle's No.1 keeper next season if they cannot retain Covic, who is off contract and likely to be in demand.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald