JETS interim coach Craig Deans will not rush Lachy Jackson and plans to give the imposing defender 30 minutes at most against Brisbane Roar at Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
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Jackson, after 10 months sidelined with a knee injury, is keen to push the fast-forward button.
But Deans knows better than most that patience is the key.
A tall central defender during his playing days, Deans missed 12 months with a career-threatening knee problem. Doctors told the centreback that he may not play again due to a hole in the top of his femur.
However, ground-breaking surgery was a success and Deans made it back for Newcastle United in 2003 national soccer league season.
Still it was a gradual process. He played four games of youth league and was given minor minutes off the A-League bench before installed into the starting side.
Jackson's rehabilitation from a torn anterior cruciate ligament has been more routine, but Deans knows it will take time for the left-sided stopper to be back to full tilt.
The 25-year-old played "seven or eight minutes" off the bench in the 3-all draw with Melbourne City after captain Nigel Boogaard "cramped up" and was forced off.
Jackson was then wrong-footed by City striker Craig Noone to put the visitors ahead in the 85th minute.
"It's not easy after being out for 10 or so months," Deans said. "I have been in a situation where I was out for nearly a year. It's a matter of getting your footwork right and your positioning right and your judgement right.
"It takes a bit of time. He did some really good things and he helped us get the equaliser. From that point of view it was good. But he still has lots to work on.
"I have already spoken to him about being patient. He is super keen. He wants to get back, he wants to be playing. He has another four weeks to keep working and keep improving. "
The Jets play with a back three of Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Nigel Boogaard and Johnny Koutroumbis. That trio will start against the Roar, with Jackson earmarked for 30 minutes.
"We will see how he gets through the week," Deans said. "Ill also talk to the physio but it would be good to get him 30 minutes. The challenge long-term is for him to do more than Johnny, Nikolai or Nigel and try to get them out of the team.
"It won't be easy for him but I'm sure he will be up for the challenge knowing the big fella."
Deans is after an improved defensive effort after conceding three goals in each of the past two friendlies. They only have Saturday's game and a friendly against Wellington at McDonald Jones Stadium (December 19) to get things right ahead of their season opener against Central Coast at Gosford on New Year's eve.
Ben Kantarovski (calf), Ramy Najjarine (calf) and Lewis Italiano (quadriceps) did not travel with the team to Coffs Harbour on Tuesday.
Trialists Ali Abbas, Josh Wilkins, Dillion Jakupi, Jack Armson and recent Adelaide arrival Antoni Trimboli are likely to play off the bench.
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IN THE NEWS
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
