Central Coast Mariners defender Jacob Poscoliero played 90 minutes for the Youth Team on Saturday and is hopeful that a return from injury to first team football is just around the corner.
Anyone who purchases an adult ticket online via the Ticketek website can enter the code ‘pain11’ (case sensitive) to redeem up to four FREE junior tickets to the match at Central Coast Stadium. (this is an online offer only and will not be redeemable at the box office on game day). CLICK HERE to access this special offer.
‘Posco’ has been sidelined through injury and illness since Hyundai A-League Round two but is hopeful that a return could be as early as this Saturday at Central Coast Stadium against Perth Glory.
“I’m feeling good,” Poscoliero said. “I’m finally back to full training and played a youth league game on the weekend – it’s been a tough few months through injury and illness but I’m looking to get back in the team if the coach picks me and really want to do well and help the boys out.
“initially I picked up a quad injury, then when I was starting to come back I was struck down with glandular fever that hit me for six for a few weeks but I’m feeling good now so hopefully I can stay injury free and illness free and get back playing as soon as possible,” Poscoliero said.
The 26-year-old defender has made 40 Hyundai A-League appearances for the Mariners and could add some much-needed experience to Okon’s defensive stocks if given the nod on Saturday in Gosford.
With it now being three months since experiencing the rigours of the Hyundai A-League action, Poscoliero is excited at the prospect of making a return in Yellow & Navy and says it has been frustrating to watch on.
“I’m excited – even at the weekend playing with the youth team it all felt new to me again, I just want to be back out on the pitch helping the team so hopefully if I’m picked I can help us get some positive results and finish the season strong,” Poscoliero said.
“Playing is what we’re paid to do so I want to play – it’s been tough but the boys have put in some good performances but unfortunately we haven’t got the results we deserve,” Poscoliero said.
Playing under an accomplished defender in Head Coach Paul Okon has also helped Poscoliero stay motivated on the training track.
“It’s important for me to put in big performances on the training track to show the coach what I can do,” Poscoliero said. “I need to keep working hard and if he gives me an opportunity I want to take it with both hands.
“[Paul Okon] Is a very good coach, it’s disappointing to have not played as many games as I would have liked due to illness and injury but when I have trained and played he’s been a huge help.
“He’s a very experienced player and a very good coach who had a big career in Italy which is a very defensive league. He brings that experience to us defensive players and you can see this season with our performances we’re a lot more structured in defence so he’s a pleasure to play under,” Okon said.
With a home game looming this Saturday against Perth Glory, Poscoliero says that he can’t wait to step back onto the Central Coast Stadium pitch in front of our passionate fans.
“If I am selected this week it would be my first match at Central Coast Stadium this season,” Poscoliero said. “I love Central Coast Stadium, I love the fans and I’m just looking forward to getting back out there,” Poscoliero said.
Match Details
Hyundai A-League 2016/17 – Round 17
Saturday 28 January 2017
Central Coast Mariners vs. Perth Glory
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Tickets: CLICK HERE
kick-off: 5:35pm (AEDT)
Official hash-tags: #CCMvPER & #CCMFC
TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 505
Radio Broadcast: 96.3 Coast FM & 92.5 ABC Central Coast
