JETS utility Angus Thurgate is not content just to do a job this A-League season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 19-year-old wants to be a more dominant figure regardless of the task he is given.
That means scoring goals if he is playing in a forward role, where he has made the majority of his 16 appearances.
"If it is in midfield or out wide, it is either creating chances or scoring chances," Thurgate said. "That is what I need to do. I need more dominance. When I get my opportunities, whether it is starting or off the bench, I am just looking to be positive and help where I can."
Thurgate gets an opportunity to press his starting claims for the season-opener in a friendly against the Young Socceroos behind closed doors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
With Wes Hoolahan (ankle) and Kaine Sheppard (foot) sidelined until January and Panamanian international Abdiel Arroyo on the comeback from a hamstring strain, Thurgate looms as a key component.
"It's our last pre-season hit out and we need to implement what Ernie and the coaching staff have been driving into us," Thurgate said. "We want to play quick, goal-scoring football. Try and get back to what we were doing two seasons ago when we made the grand final. That was the year I made my debut. I loved it. Even though I didn't play, it was still great to be a part of grand-final week. It drives you to push harder."
Jason Hoffman is likely to lead the line, with Dimi Petratos the No.10. Nick Fitzgerald, who's wife had a baby on Wednesday, will fill a wide role with Thurgate the frontrunner for the other.
Although in his third A-League season, Thurgate is one of the youngest in the Jets squad and is constantly leaning on the senior players to help improve his game.
"Clacka (Clayton Zane) is always helping as is Ernie, the front players - Wes, Hoff, Dimi, Arroyo and Fitzy - always offer bits of advice," he said. "That is the privilege I have being a young player and being able to learn off them and pick up points where I can. As long as my game keeps moving forward, I'm happy."
Thurgate played for the Young Socceroos against the Jets in the corresponding game last season.
This year the Jets have supplied keeper Noah James and midfielder Jack Simmons to the Young Socceroos, who have been in camp in Newcastle for a week.
"They will be sharp, quick ... it will be a good test," Thurgate said. "We want to take momentum into our first game. Ernie is demanding that we score goals. Hopefully we do that tomorrow and get on a bit of a run."
