GOALKEEPER Glen Moss jokes about being one of Newcastle's "old guys" but his performance in last week's 1-0 win against Western United suggests he might have a good few years left in him yet.
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With the Jets desperately defending a lead and under siege for much of the second half, Moss produced a series of critical saves to help his team secure their first victory of the season.
The 36-year-old's effort was described as "outstanding" by coach Ernie Merrick, who was associated with Moss at both Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix before inviting him to Newcastle three seasons ago.
A free agent at the end of this campaign, Moss is relaxed about his contractual situation, saying it will be up to club management to kick off negotiations.
But he also clearly feels capable of taking his 242-game A-League career into a 15th season.
"While I'm loving the game as much as I am at the moment, and being out there day in, day out, and the body holds together with strapping tape, I'll keep going," he said.
Merrick has credited back-up goalkeeper Lewis Italiano with helping to keep Moss on his toes.
Italiano looked set to start the season between the posts, after Moss was hindered by a foot injury during the pre-season.
But then Italiano was sent off in the FFA Cup quarter-final against Adelaide and suspended for Newcastle's A-League season-opener against Central Coast, which was all the opportunity Moss needed.
"I've always said since I came to the club that part of my role is to help the next one come along," Moss said.
"I quite enjoy that responsibility and leadership role, and doing a little bit of coaching on the side is helping me as well."
Saturday's clean sheet was Newcastle's first of the season, and Moss while described the win as "ugly", the former New Zealand All Whites representative was delighted with the desperation his teammates showed in defence.
"It was a little bit frustrating, the first couple of games that we thought we might have got something out of," he said.
"I guess it was a sign that we're headed in the right direction. Especially if we defend like we did [on Saturday], we'll go close to doing well this season."
Newcastle will have their second bye of the season this weekend, after playing in only five games.
It will allow Abdiel Arroyo, Matt Ridenton and Bobby Burns a chance to return from international duties and recover before Newcastle's home clash with Western Sydney on Saturday week.
"For old guys like myself, I'll take a break whenever I can get it," Moss said.
"But it's much better going into a bye with a good win, rather than say the result didn't go our way, then you've got a couple of weeks to shake it off.
"So the mood will be pretty good over the next two weeks."
