The 190-cm Kennedy comes in for his first game in over a year as a replacement for veteran Ante Covic who left the club last week for Sweden's Elfsborg.

And Kennedy's first game doesn't come any tougher. An away tie with Japanese side Nagoya Grampus 8 in the Asian Champions League on Tuesday night will be a test of the youngster's nerves.

But Milicevic says he likes what he sees so far from the Newcastle-born shot-stopper.

"He's a gun keeper, I'm telling you I've been so impressed with him. He deserves his chance," Milicevic tells au.fourfourtwo.com.

Kennedy's chances have been restricted in the A-League over the last two seasons but he is remembered for his 15 appearances in season two of the league.

 "I've no doubt he'll do just fine [in Japan]," adds Milicevic. "He's a good kid."

And Milicevic says the mood in the Jets camp is now "very positive" after a recent reported bust-up between him and coach Gary Van Egmond.

"It's been great. Gary's been real positive and so have all the boys," he said. "There's a good feeling in the camp, we're together and we're looking forward to keeping it real in Japan."

However, the Jets may be without key forward Fabio Vignaroli for Tuesday's clash in Nagoya. The former Lazio man is in doubt after injuring his hamstring in a practice match earlier this week.