NIKOLAI Topor-Stanley is adamant the Jets are well equipped to handle the extreme heat forecast for the clash against Western United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday but stressed it was important that they adopt a smart approach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The mercury is predicted to reach a scorching 41 degrees in Newcastle on Saturday and is likely to be in the mid-thirties at the 5pm kick-off time.
The A-League has strict protocols in place to deal with the heat, including up to two drinks breaks per half.
"I think you have to be smart," Topor-Stanley said. "Know when to quicken the game up and when to slow it down. Playing in summer over 90 minutes, you can't play at high-octane, full throttle the whole game. You have to pick your moments to give it everything, otherwise you blow a gasket.
"We train in the heat for a reason, to become accustomed to it. We are ready."
The Jets accounted for Western United 1-0 - one of only two wins for the campaign - in their previous encounter in November.
Former Ireland international Wes Hoolahan was given a final clearance by Doctor Neil Halpin before training Friday and baring a late mishap will be on the bench.
"Wes is obviously a quality player who has been there and done that," Topor-Stanley said. "If he plays a part, that's great for us. He clearly has the quality to help this team win games."
Hoolahan's likely inclusion follows the return of skipper Nigel Boogaard in the unlucky 2-1 loss to Wellington last round.
"Nige is a leader, he is our captain and an experienced player," Topor-Stanley said. "You can't buy that. He brings a calmness and composure to the backline and it showed in our performance."
The defeat to Phoenix, albeit undeserving, was the Jets' fourth straight.
"It is not a good feeling. It is frustrating, moreso for the players than anyone," Topor-Stanley said. "We have copped the brunt of it and rightly so. We are the ones on the field who need to get results. It is about putting the work in and not letting your head drop and learning from tough situations like this.
"Senior players are the ones who usually do that because they have been around it, experienced it and come out the other end. We have to do our best to get us out of it."
The Jets changed to a back three against Phoenix and are are to likely retain that formation with Johnny Koutroumbis to replace Lachy Jackson (knee).
The change in shape didn't go unnoticed by Western United coach Mark Rudan.
"They changed their formation last week, so we'll prepare the team for two different formations if they do go out with a back four or back three," Rudan said.
United are coming off a 4-3 loss to Adelaide but contain match-winners Besart Berisha and Alessandro Delamanti.
"They have quality and they have proven it time and time again that they can win games," Topor-Stanley said. "Like always, we will have to be on our toes and take special care."
