Zane earmarked Jair, who arrived in Newcastle last month, to play a part in the club’s Round One opener next weekend away to Wellington Phoenix.

The ex-Socceroo also said the 30-year-old had worked tirelessly in pre-season to fast-track his fitness levels.

“He’s been coming in twice, sometimes three times a day, with our conditioning staff doing extras,” Zane said.

“He’s gone above and beyond the expectation.

“That’s what we want from our foreigners because ultimately they can be the difference throughout the A-League season.”

Zane said he had been impressed by the former Jeonnam Dragons and Jeju United forward.

“We’ll definitely see Jair in some part throughout that first game,” he said.

“I feel we’ve got six or seven players who’ve put their hand up, they’ve scored regularly throughout pre-season.

“Jair hasn’t been given the luxury of game-time like the others have. But we’ve seen on the training paddock what he’s capable of.

“He’s two footed, he’s sharp, he’s got great touches, he can dribble, he’s got a bit of everything which really excites me.

“Hopefully he plays a part in this first game and has an impact.”