MELBOURNE Victory defender Joe Keenan is hoping to convince Gary van Egmond he is the right man to fill Newcastle’s left hole.
The former Chelsea youngster is on a three-day trial with the Jets after finding himself on the fringe of Ernie Merrick’s squad.
Injury and suspension combined to thwart Keenan’s chances of an extended run in Merrick’s side last season and although he still has a year of his contract to run at Telstra Dome, Victory would not stand in his way.
The former England Under 20 international is being put through his paces along with fellow triallist Antun Kovacic.
Keenan would offer van Egmond a natural left-footer in defence. Matt Thompson played numerous matches in the role last year but is actually right-footed. Adam D’Apuzzo also filled in but is primarily a midfielder.
The 25-year-old told the Herald: “I know there is a space here on the left side, it is up to me to grab it.
"Without sounding conceited, my CV is pretty good. This league is getting better every year. There are some good players here, but I certainly consider myself adequate to play in this league.
“There are two kinds of trials and you never really know what clubs are looking for.
“There is the one where they want you to come and shine and be outstanding. That is difficult to do when you are here for three days.
“The other is where they want to check that you are fit and that you can fit in with the players, make sure you are not a pain in the arse.
"Gary and his staff have probably seen me (playing for Melbourne Victory) at the start of the season. I’m not too old, I'm only 25, so hopefully this trial will be the latter.”
Injury and suspension combined to thwart Keenan’s chances of an extended run in Merrick’s side last season and although he still has a year of his contract to run at Telstra Dome, Victory would not stand in his way.
The former England Under 20 international is being put through his paces along with fellow triallist Antun Kovacic.
Keenan would offer van Egmond a natural left-footer in defence. Matt Thompson played numerous matches in the role last year but is actually right-footed. Adam D’Apuzzo also filled in but is primarily a midfielder.
The 25-year-old told the Herald: “I know there is a space here on the left side, it is up to me to grab it.
"Without sounding conceited, my CV is pretty good. This league is getting better every year. There are some good players here, but I certainly consider myself adequate to play in this league.
“There are two kinds of trials and you never really know what clubs are looking for.
“There is the one where they want you to come and shine and be outstanding. That is difficult to do when you are here for three days.
“The other is where they want to check that you are fit and that you can fit in with the players, make sure you are not a pain in the arse.
"Gary and his staff have probably seen me (playing for Melbourne Victory) at the start of the season. I’m not too old, I'm only 25, so hopefully this trial will be the latter.”
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