JETS football operations manager Joel Griffiths expects new signing Connor O'Toole to be available for the clash against Western United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday and hasn't ruled out further additions before the A-League transfer window closes on Friday night.
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O'Toole arrives in Newcastle on Wednesday and will undergo a medical on Thursday.
"He will do the ECG and ECHO on Thursday and if he gets a clearance from Dr Neil Halpin he is available for selection as far as I'm concerned," Griffiths said.
Northern Ireland under-21 international Bobby Burns is locked in at left back, but with the injury to Lachy Jackson, O'Toole could feature on the bench.
The 22-year-old has signed with the Jets until the end of next season and with two spots available Griffiths hopes to further strengthen the squad before Saturday.
"If we bring anyone in, it will be to start, we wouldn't bring in a squad player," Griffiths said.
O'Toole was a part of the Olyroos squad which qualified for the Tokyo Olympics last weekend and Griffiths said he had spoken to national team coach Graham Arnold before offering a deal to the left back.
"Graham Arnold and Gary van Egmond had him in camp and had good things to say about him," Griffiths said. "He has good engines and whips in a good cross. There are things he needs to improve on but he is a good lad and very coachable. That is very important.
"He has played limited football in the last three A-League seasons and still made the Olyroos squad. That tells me they have a little bit of faith in what he can do."
O'Toole made his A-League debut for Brisbane against Melbourne Victory in November 2017 and has made 31 appearances for the Roar in three seasons.
Griffiths said O'Toole's recruitment was done with "one eye on next season".
"Bobby Burns has done a solid job since he came into the starting side," Griffiths said."With the loan deal, it is out of our hands and Bobby will probably go back to Hearts at the end of the season. The way I look at it, its a good opportunity for Connor to come here and do well. The spot is his to lose for next year."
