Reserve Moss swoops in to cover Jets in final
FOOTBALL RESERVE gloveman Glen Moss will keep goal for Newcastle in Saturday’s A-League grand final after the Jets ruled out first-choice custodian Jack Duncan with injury.
But there’s no panic at the Jets, given how the club has shown it can rebound from injuries.
Duncan will watch on from the stands at a packed McDonald Jones Stadium after suffering a tear of his right quad in their semi-final defeat of Melbourne City.
His heartbreak at missing out is Moss’s gain, with the former New Zealand international getting the nod for his first grand final in more than a decade in the A-League.
“That’s why you’ve got a squad,” coach Ernie Merrick said yesterday.
Moss was a first-half substitute against City when Duncan injured himself attempting a clearance.
Merrick said he would be a more than ample replacement come the grand final against Melbourne Victory – a former home of both Moss and Merrick.
“Glen Moss slipped in so easily. He’s confident at the back, a good talker and never let anything slip (against City),” he said.
“Moss will definitely starting (against Victory).”
Moss’s appearance in the decider comes after years of underachievement. The 35year-old has played in 11 campaigns – with New Zealand Knights, Wellington, Gold Coast and Melbourne Victory – before this one, for just two finals campaigns.
Duncan joins utility Ben Kantarovski (hamstring) and midfielder Wayne Brown (calf) be as confirmed absentees for the grand final. But the Jets have plenty of experience dealing with unavailabilities.
They managed without marquee Ronny Vargas for 20 rounds (ankle) and chief goalscorer Roy O’Donovan has been limited this season due to injury and suspension.
The Jets are close favourites over Victory to complete their fairytale season and jump from last place to champions. Pic: AAP