Taylor Regan revealed he is determined to nail down a regular starting berth and spoke about the team needing three points.
Adelaide United face Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium at the revised time of 7.00pm ACDT on Sunday night, due the forecast stifling weather conditions.
Regan stressed his side desperately need the three points to maintain their place in the top six.
The Reds are without a win in three matches, but did show signs of improvement in their 2-2 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers on Boxing Day.
“This one is very important,” Regan told reporters at Adelaide Airport.
“For me we need three points, we go there with that mentality – we need to win.
“And it’s important to stay in contact with the top six.
“It’s a busy month and I was talking with a few boys yesterday and by the end of the January there could be a real divide in the competition.
“So we need to make sure we’re in the top half of that divide.”
Game day tomorrow! Watch live on Fox Sports 505 or the My Football Live App. 👍 #AUFC #NEWvADL pic.twitter.com/MGFUxyoJdk
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) December 28, 2018
Newcastle recorded a derby win over Central Coast Mariners last week and are just one point behind the Reds in seventh spot.
Regan, who is expected to partner Michael Jakobsen in central defence, said he is hoping to make the most of his third start of the campaign following Jordan Elsey’s suspension.
The 30-year-old defender is hoping to deliver an assured display against his former team in order to cement a regular starting spot.
“I probably shot myself in the foot with my suspension last time,” he said.
“Obviously I came in and we won two games and then I was suspended so I and handed my spot over.
“I don’t plan on doing that again, I plan on holding on to this position but again that’s not my decision that’s the coach’s (decision).
“I keep working hard that never changes regardless of whether I’m playing, on the bench or in the stand.
“Obviously I want to play, but I want to win too, and if it has to be somebody else that’s out there to make sure we win then so be it.
“But one game at a time at the moment, but hopefully I can put in a strong performance and keep my spot.”
Adelaide United face Newcastle Jets in Round 10 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Sunday, 30 December at McDonald Jones Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Live on Fox Sports, and streamed on the My Football Live App.
