JETS coach Ernie Merrick says it’s a case of when, not if, teenage striker Angus Thurgate makes his starting debut in the A-League this season.
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Thurgate, the 18-year-old from Port Macquarie, made seven appearances for Newcastle last season, all as substitute, and none for longer than 27 minutes.
He enhanced his claims for more opportunities by scoring in the 2-1 loss to Sydney in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Sydney, producing a performance that Merrick labelled “quite outstanding”.
While Merrick’s strike force in the early rounds is expected to comprise proven performers Ronny Vargas, Dimi Petratos, Jason Hoffman and possibly new Brazilian signing Jair, the veteran coach expects to blood Thurgate in his starting line-up sooner rather than later.
“I have no doubt that he’ll start a game in the A-League this year,” Merrick told the Newcastle Herald.
I have no doubt that he’ll start a game in the A-League this year. No doubts whatsoever. He’s just getting better with every game.
- Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick
“No doubts whatsoever. He’s just getting better with every game.
“He’s come back from the Australian under-20s team full of belief in his ability.”
Asked if Thurgate was in contention to start the season-opener in Wellington on October 21, Merrick replied: “He’s up against it, but I have to say he had an outstanding game (against Sydney FC in a trial) against a very good team and a strong defence.”
Merrick’s comments echoed chief executive Lawrie McKinna’s thoughts about whether Thurgate would start a match.
On that occasion he had scored his first goal for the club in a trial against Sydney FC two weeks ago.
The Jets are still hopeful of adding two attacking players to their roster before the season kicks off, both Australian, which would leave an overseas-import position vacant in case they need to reinforce their ranks during the January transfer window.
One of those is likely to be former Melbourne Victory speedster Mitch Austin, who has been trialling with Newcastle for the past three weeks.
Merrick said considering the players Newcastle had unavailable against Sydney, he was satisfied with their all-round display against a quality opponent.
As well as Jair, Petratos, Roy O’Donovan, Ben Kantarovski and Lachlan Jackson have all been sidelined with injury or suspension at various stages throughout the pre-season.
“Overall I’m pretty happy with the way the squad is developing, and the level of fitness we’re developing,” he said.
