HIRED gun Bernie Ibini believes there is enough time for the Newcastle Jets to make a run for the A-League play-offs and hasn't ruled out staying at the club beyond this season.
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Ibini has joined the Jets on a three-month deal and could make his debut against Perth at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
In a further boost, Welsh international Joe Ledley was due to arrive in Newcastle overnight and will also be a new addition to the squad.
Ibini, 27, has been living and training in Sydney since a move to Iranian club Esteghlal broke down in January.
"I have been home for a little bit now and watched quite a few A-League games," Ibini said. "I have seen the Jets play and think they have done well. They have obviously had a little bit of bad luck, and I would say they haven't really got the points they deserve. That is something we can turn around definitely.
"I think the whole team is looking to finish on a positive. If we can still make the top six, I'm sure that is something we can try and achieve. It is about ending the season positively and turning those games they should have won into wins."
Ibini adds power and pace to a front third that is spearheaded by Roy O'Donovan and Panamanian striker Abdiel Arroyo and has the creative flare of Dimi Petratos and Wes Hoolahan.
"They are creating a lot of chances," Ibini said. "That is the main thing. It is very pleasing that they have been able to do that. I'm sure with time and everyone getting used to the new coach and everything like that, that the chances will be taken.
"I've been training hard on my own for a little while now, I'm feeling fit and I'm really excited to get back into a team environment and push for a spot in that starting eleven."
Ibini has spent the past two years playing overseas at Vancouver, where he was under the care of Jets coach Carl Robinson, the Emirates Club and Jeonbuk Hyundai.
The winger helped lead Joenbuk to a title in Korea in November and at age 27 still has aspirations of playing in Asia or Europe.
Staying at the Jets is also an option, given his relationship with Robinson and CEO Lawrie McKinna.
"Anything is possible in football," Ibini said. "If I come here and it fits well for both the club and myself, I'm sure anything is possible. That could definitely be something that happens.
"Lawrie was the one who gave me my debut [at the Mariners] when I was 17."
McKinna said they had initially approached Ibini in December.
"He is hungry," McKinna said. "He has come here until the end season. We will be looking at him for next season, it also gives him a chance to get back overseas again and play more football. We are fine with that. We just want him to do well for the club. We are in the best place to sign him."
Robinson has no doubts that Ibini will suit his game plan.
"I've obviously worked with Bernie in the past, I know what he can do, and I think he'll fit in well with this team," Robinson said.
Ledley, 33, has been without a club since a one-month contract with Charlton Athletic expired in January.
The former Derby County and Celtic midfielder had been training with Newport County but was reluctant to sign for the League Two club.
The left-sided midfielder, was in his early twenties when he played alongside Robinson for Wales and has 77 international caps.
The Jets have already filled their visa quota and would have to free up a place to add Ledley to the squad.
