Jets Hope Ace Pair Trump Injuries

Newcastle Herald

Thursday September 20, 2007

By JAMES GARDINER

NEWCASTLE Jets coach Gary van Egmond is sweating on the fitness of star duo Ante Covic and Joel Griffiths.

Covic is struggling with back stiffness and Griffiths has an adductor problem. Both are in doubt for tomorrow night's A-League game against champions Melbourne at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Neither trained yesterday, and both must prove their fitness at the final training session at EAS this morning.

"I'm genuinely worried about both of them," van Egmond said yesterday.

"They have some inflammation and we decided not to push them today.

"But they will need to get through a full training session tomorrow if they are to play against Melbourne."

The Jets are chasing a third straight win, but their chance will be severely diminished if either is ruled out.

Goalkeeper Covic has returned to form after an indifferent debut season with the Jets. He has three clean sheets in four games and has commanded his penalty area with authority.

Griffiths has been the most dangerous player for the Jets in the opening three rounds. He scored a brilliant free kick to equalise against Queensland and laid off for Bridge to score the winner against Adelaide on Saturday night.

"They have been excellent," van Egmond said. "It is one thing losing players; it is another thing losing key players.

"Every team has one or two players who they can't replace.

"You saw that with Adelaide last week. They are obviously a good outfit, but I don't think they have anyone who can replace Nathan Burns."

Ben Kennedy will come in if Covic is ruled out. Kennedy returned from a knee injury only a week ago but is a proven understudy, having played the opening 14 games of last season.

"Benny is coming off a fairly lengthy injury [break] which would make it more difficult for him if he was to be called upon," van Egmond said. "But he has done the job before and everyone has 100 per cent confidence in him."

Melbourne confirmed yesterday that last season's leading scorer, Danny Allsopp, would not make the trip to Newcastle.

Allsopp injured his ribs in the scoreless draw with Central Coast last round and has been replaced by Brazilian Leandro Love.

"He's recovering quickly," Victory coach Ernie Merrick said of Allsopp.

"He's not going to be right for the Newcastle game, but he should be right the following week."

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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