A-League: Veteran Moss playing for keeps as Jets target Reds

The 34-year-old boasted 201 A-League appearances and 29 matches for New Zealand, including the 2010 World Cup, but such was the form of incumbent, Jack Duncan, Moss was resigned to playing second fiddle.

However, a foot injury to Duncan opened the door for the Kiwi. Saturday’s clash against Adelaide at McDonald Jones Stadium will be his fourth in goals.

“When I came here and saw Jack training in the first couple of weeks, I thought ‘There is no chance I am going to get a game here’, he was on fire,” Moss said.

“He deservedly had the No.1 spot and unfortunately he got hurt. I have stepped in and am trying to do the best I can.”

Comparing his return to the starting side as “like riding a bike” Moss hasn’t missed a beat.

“We are lucky here that we play a lot of eleven v eleven at training,” he said.

“I have gotten better over the past couple of games in terms of positioning and reading the play and picking the speed. “Our defence has been really solid and I have not had to make too many saves. Hopefully we can keep that going.”

Duncan, before injured, had one clean sheet – the barometer by which keeper’s are mostly judged – this season from a 3-0 win over Moss’ former team Wellington.

“At the start of your career you would focus on a clean sheet,” said Moss, whose best return was 12 clean sheets for Gold Coast United in the 2010-11 season. “As you play more, you realise that you would much rather win 2-1 and sacrifice a clean sheet, than have a nil-nil draw. You have to be a bit more selfless. That is the attitude we have here. We are a very attack-minded team and may concede goals but as long as we get the win, that’s what matters.”

The Jets are likely to make one change from the come-from-behind 2-1 victory in Perth.

Johnny Koutroumbis’ is set to be rewarded for his goal off the bench with a start at right back in place of Jason Hoffman. 

“One thing that impressed me from day one at the club was the quality of the younger players,” Moss said. “Guys like Johnny coming on last weekend and scoring an important goal over in Perth. I had never heard of Joe Champness before I came here and he has been sensational. We also have Mario Shabow, Devante Clut ... the young guys in and around the squad bring more than you realise.”

Adelaide have made two forced changes, with Ben Garuccio and Daniel Adlung suspended after receiving red cards in the 2-1 triumph over Melbourne Victory.

The result moved the Reds into fourth spot, sixth points adrift of the second-placed Jets.

“They seem a bit more united,” Moss said. “They are playing collectively compared to past seasons where they had a few superstars and relied on those guys. They are similar to us. We don’t rely on one or two people. With the injuries we can’t afford to do that. The young boys who have stepped in for us have done well, just like thy have in Adelaide.”

Former Jet Ryan Kitto, who plays in a wide role, is the Reds’ leading goal-scorer with four. Adelaide take 48 per cent of their shots from outside the box and Moss the Jets had to be “alert to everything”.

“Knowing someone like Vince Lia, like I do, he used to smash them into the trees at training in Wellington,” Moss said laughing. “He has actually put a couple away this year. Hopefully he doesn’t do that tomorrow night. They have a number of threats, but if we can defend like we have been, we will be good.”