Central Coast Mariners’ defender, Jacob Poscoliero, hopes to return to the A-League for the home match against Perth Glory at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, January 28.
The young number four has missed months of game time as a result of injury and illness. He played a full match in the Mariner’s Youth League clash with Sydney FC on January 21 and said he was ready to get back on the fi eld for the 11 A-League matches left this season. Quad injury complications kept Poscoliero out of match contention and when the injury finally mended sickness struck. “I came down with glandular fever and that hit me for a six for a few weeks, but I am feeling good now,” he said. “Obviously I want to be back with the boys and helping the boys out and hopefully we will get some results.
“The boys have been putting in some good performances and unfortunately haven’t got the results they deserve, but we still have 11 games to go.” He said his goal for the remainder of the current A-League season was: “just to play and play well and help the boys.” Before his bout of injury and illness, Poscoliero had been identifi ed as one of the Mariners’ strongest defenders. He acknowledged that the team had improved defensively during his absence but said he was determined to impress Head Coach, Paul Okon. “I just have to show the coach what I can do,” he said.
He said he was pleased to play under the leadership of a coach with as much experience and defensive knowledge as Okon. Poscoliero said he was “very excited” about the Mariners’ home match against Perth Glory. “It will be my fi rst game at home this year and I just can’t wait to get back out there. “I love this stadium and I love the fans. “I am just really looking forward to it,” he said.
Audio transcript, Jan 24, 2017 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners