A-League: Jets creative spark not seeking special treatment

Najjarine is pushing for a return to the Jets' starting side against Perth in the west on Saturday night after a successful comeback in the horror 4-1 defeat to Adelaide.

The silken-skilled playmaker had missed three games with an ankle injury after being taken out in a challenge in the 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory.

Earlier in the season, he was sidelined for two games after a knock to the other ankle.

After the first injury, Jets captain said some of the tactics employed to stop the creative spark were "borderline".

"He will always be targeted because he is a threat," Boogaard said.

Najjarine was the most fouled player in the competition before his stints on the sideline and Jets coach Craig Deans has spoken to the No.10 about "learning to know what is coming sometimes and positioning himself a bit better".

As far as the 20-year-old is concerned, it's part and parcel of the game.

"It is the style of my play," he said after training on Tuesday. "I know what I am getting myself into. I am not going to change that. It is a contact sport and there is not much you can do. It is what it is.

READ MORE: JETS' HEAVY LOSS CAUSE FOR CONCERN

READ MORE: JACKSON SET FOR REACALL

READ MORE: JETS COACH APOLOGISES FOR UNACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE

Asked if referee's should provide more protection for creative players, Najjarine said: "Not at all. Everyone is out there to win a game and you have to do what you have to do.

"If I am attracting players it gives space to the rest of my teammates."

Najjarine's impact in the second half was one of the few positives from the Adelaide defeat.

He curled in a cross for Apostolos Stamatelopoulos to head home at the back post and was a constant threat with the ball at his feet.

"It was good to get back out on the pitch," Najjarine said. "Everyone was disappointed with the first half, but we showed good character to come back in the second half.

"The whole team changed. We started playing with more confidence and I guess the score was 1-0 in the second half, which wasn't too bad."

Najjarine said his ankle had "coped well" after a "frustrating" period in the stands.

"I did lots of rehab, lots of ankle work and all that boring stuff," he said. "I'm feeling confident and stronger now, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."

Perth sit two places and two points above the Jets and take on Sydney FC at home on Wednesday night.

After a bright start to the campaign, the Glory have suffered three losses and a draw in the past four games.

However, the Jets remain on alert, especially with a front third boasting Diego Castro, Bruno Fornaroli and Andy Keogh.

"Diego Castro is a fantastic player and a good role model for Australian footballers," Najjarine said. "There are not many players like him, and that is why he stands out. We have to be cautious of his ability. They have quality players who can hurt you. But we have players who can hurt them as well."

IN THE NEWS:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: