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IN-LIMBO Newcastle Jet Travis Cooper is aiming to stay fit and in the thoughts of A-League clubs during a short stint with Adamstown Rosebud starting against Lambton at Edden Oval on Sunday.
Rosebud signed the 21-year-old this week and he trained with the Northern NSW NPL club for the first time on Thursday night.
The two-time Olyroo made two A-League appearances for the Jets after signing on February 3 this year from Dutch second-tier club VVV-Venlo.
He played regularly in Newcastle's National Youth League side but was given only 39 minutes in the top team over the last two rounds of the A-League against Sydney and Brisbane.
When the Jets announced squad changes on April 28, Cooper and Allan Welsh were told they would not be re-signed "at this point", but the club "may seek to re-engage with Welsh, Cooper, or both, depending on various factors".
After the upheaval this week at the Jets, Cooper was hopeful there may be a second chance at the club, which is under Football Federation Australia's control and reviewing coaching positions.
The former Northern Tigers, Sydney, junior was keen to showcase his ability with Rosebud and push for a new professional deal.
"You just never know what's going to happen now, after what's happened the last couple of days, so you always want to keep your options open and we'll just see what happens," Cooper said about a possible return to the Jets.
"I'm always looking to get back in the A-League, so if an option came up, I would definitely consider it.
"It's up to them. I can only put my best foot forward and take it from there."
The striker or winger came to the Jets after limited game time overseas and in need of improved fitness.
However, he showed glimpses last month of the potential which led to a chance with Newcastle on the recommendation of Young Socceroos coach Paul Okon.
"I was very happy with the last two games," Cooper said.
"I got 20 minutes each game, and I just wish the season was a bit longer, and I could have carried on.
"But unfortunately that's football and now I'll just have to concentrate on what the future holds and get to the best place I can."
Adamstown coach Graham Law does not expect to have Cooper for more than a few games before he picks up a new contract in Australia or overseas, but said it was a "great agreement for both parties".
"We get the benefit of Travis' professional experience and Travis gets to stay fit and play as he looks for a full-time deal," Law said.
Cooper has split his time between Newcastle and his parents' home in Sydney since the Jets' decision.
He said he had been training alone after a short break and was keen to get back on the field alongside the likes of Guy Bates and ex-Scottish international Garry Kenneth.
"You always like to play with good talent around you, so it will be good to play alongside them," he said.
"They seem to be a good bunch of lads, and that's always a plus, when they welcome you with open arms. I'm looking forward to it."
Adamstown, meanwhile, will lose Bates for the final third of the NPL season after the Englishman decided to return home to be with his fiancee and play professionally.
The 29-year-old former Newcastle Jets striker has been a revelation in the NPL over the first six rounds, scoring four goals to be the pick of the high-profile additions to the league.
Law said Bates would stay with the club until round 12 and they were confident he would return for 2016.
Bates came to Adamstown after 26 goals in 51 games for Glenavon in the Northern Ireland competition.
