MAN of the moment Luka Prso will be unleashed from the start for the Jets against Melbourne City at home on Sunday, but high velocity wingback Matt Millar will have to wait another week.
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Prso, after earning a match-equalising penalty on debut against Western Sydney last round, comes into midfield for Ramy Najjarine, who is not permitted to play against his old club due to a league-wide stipulation for players on loan.
Millar arrived in Newcastle on Thursday after completing 14 days quarantine in Perth and will train with the Jets on Saturday, but won't be risked against City.
In a further boost to the squad, the Jets confirmed on Friday that exciting attackers Liridon Krasniqi and Syahrian Abimanyu had arrived in Australia and were in quarantine ahead of their loan deals from Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta'zim II.
Prso only touched down in Newcastle two weeks ago but Deans has no doubts he will handle promotion to the starting XI.
"He is confident in his own ability," Deans said. "He and Ramy are different types of players but they have a lot of similar attributes.
"It is a case of making sure he understands his role without the ball and where to be defensively. With the ball, he is 20 years old and is going to have plenty of enthusiasm.
"I think he will be nervous because it's his first start, but he didn't look nervous at any time the other night. He looked comfortable and fitted in well at that level."
Prso will be partnered in the centre of the park by Steve Ugarkovic and fellow 20-year-old Angus Thurgate.
"Stevie needs to sit a bit deeper more often than not, but Gus and Luka have a bit of freedom," Deans said. "Luka showed on Friday night [against Wanderers] that he is quite clever in the front third. He will find space and hopefully create some opportunities."
City have shipped six goals in consecutive losses to the Mariners (3-2) and Perth (3-1) and have lost defenders Scott Galloway (hamstring) and Kerrin Stokes (suspension).
However, Portuguese import Nuno Reis has completed his quarantine and will fly to Newcastle on Saturday.
Millar hasn't played since completed a loan deal at English League One club Shrewsbury Town in late December and had hoped to be involved on Sunday.
"Matty has been in quarantine for two weeks and it's not smart to throw him straight in," Deans said. "He has been riding a bike in his hotel room, but it's not the same. There is no rush to bring him in and risk injury. He will do a full week of training and go from there."
Prso is the only change from the Jets XI that drew with Wanderers last start.
"Everyone deserves to stay in the team but they are on their toes which is good," Deans said.
"There is a bit of pressure coming from players not in the team and new players coming into the squad.
"Things are going in the right direction. The last two games are finished now, they don't mean anything anymore.
"It is more about focusing on what is in front than what we have done."
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
