Heskey backing Jets’ young guns

Emile Heskey believes the performances of the Jets' youngsters on the international stage indicates a bright future for the Club.

Newcastle Jets marquee striker Emile Heskey has given a glowing endorsement of the Jets- younger players, saying their recent performances on the international stage indicates a bright future for the Club.

Newcastle players Josh Brillante, Connor Chapman, Andrew Hoole and Adam Taggart all featured prominently for the Young Socceroos at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Brillante and Taggart were then called into Holger Osieck-s senior Socceroos squad for the EAFF East Asian Cup, where they were joined by Jets teammates Craig Goodwin, Mark Birighitti and Ruben Zadkovich.

Heskey, who followed both tournaments while spending his off-season break with family in England, said the international experience gained by the Jets youngsters would hold them in good stead for the season ahead.

“It-s been great experience for them,” Heskey said.

“I-ve obviously been following it back in England. I watched some of the games and they were a little unlucky, possession-wise, they passed people off the park.

“It-s nice to have so many young players playing for not only their under 20 national team, but a few that went away with the senior squad as well, which shows the Club is going in the right direction.”

Heskey said he was expecting the Jets- rising stars to make a big impact in the A-League this season, provided they can maintain consistent performances throughout the competition.

“We know we-ve got a young side and it has been great for them to get a full season under their belt and to play regularly during the season,” Heskey said.

“They-ve had a good bedding in period last season, so hopefully we can expect good things from them this season.”