The Brazilian striker has jet to get off the mark for the Newcastle Jets and central defender Rudan is anxious for that to remain the case for another 90 minutes.

However, with Sydney a city and football club that gets ample media attention, a Jardel goal on Saturday would certainly generate plenty of publicity for the player.

“What can you say about someone like that?" he said. "I remember watching him play as I was growing up. His CV speaks for itself and he’s such a fantastic player.

"He’s not at his fittest at the moment and has only made cameo appearances so far but he’s someone you have to watch all the time as he drifts away from you and creates space for himself.

Rudan added: "He hasn’t scored yet but he’s one of those players that loves the big occasion and the big stages.

"I’m sure he would love to score here in Sydney. We just have to give everything we have to try and deny him that experience.”

Leaving aside the question of Jardel, Rudan has been very impressed with the way Gary Van Egmond’s side has started the season.

The Jets currently sit second in the table and they are yet to lose a game.

Rudan said: “They are a good side and they’ve done extremely well, in fact they’re flying at the moment.

"It’s a youngish squad playing some really good football and you can see them improving game by game. We have to be at the top of our game on Saturday night if we’re going to beat them."

He added: "They’re second in the table and the table doesn’t lie. They’re undefeated as well and will come here looking to extend that situation.”

Rudan insists last week’s win at Queensland Roar has given everyone a lot of confidence and now it’s about kick-starting the home portion of the campaign, that and not getting carried away amid goal celebrations.

“Our record at home has been extremely poor," he admitted. "We’ve lost two and drawn and it’s about time we won a game here.

"But I think more important is the momentum we’ve built up from last week and the fact the team spirit here is just fantastic.

"We’ve got a few players back from injury as well which means the sort of competition that keeps everyone on their toes. No-one is safe in the side.”

In two of Sydney’s three home games, an early strike for the home side has swiftly been wiped out by the visitors. Rudan believes the old cliché about ‘you’re never more vulnerable than when you’ve just scored’ has finally hit home.

He said: “It happened against Adelaide and when it happened again versus Wellington a few more players stressed the importance of keeping things together for the next 10 minutes or so.

"After Patrick’s winner last week I think every player was stressing how important it was for everyone to keep doing their jobs and work even harder.

"I think the message has got through.”

Saturday’s match is bound to have a little spice with the small matter of Newcastle having dumped Sydney out of last season’s finals series.

Rudan says that is history but there’s no question it’s a match with an edge to it.

“There’s a little bit of rivalry there between the two sides being two New South Wales clubs,” he said.