Stanton backing youth as transfer window looms

The Jets sit in 10^th spot on 13 points, after conceding a late penalty for a 1-all draw with Macarthur on Friday night.

Although only a win outside the top six, January shapes as make-or-break.

The Jets meet an equally-desperate Brisbane Roar in Sydney on Sunday in Unite Round, travel back to Sydney to take on the Sky Blues (January 19) before consecutive games at home against Brisbane (January 23) and Wellington (January 27).

The A-League transfer window opens on Thursday.

Jacob Dowse and French import Jason Berthomier remain sidelined with knee issues.

Lucas Mauragis and Mark Natta, and possibly the in-from Clayton Taylor, are likely to be away on Olyroos duties in March and April. The trio have also attracted interest from overseas clubs.

Veteran defender Jason Hoffman and Carl Jenkinson played the dying moments against Macarthur, their first appearances respectively since round five and round two.

"As far as bringing players in, I don't think so," Stanton said. "We have a small budget and have spent it. To be honest, I'm happy to continue with the players I have. Every player is a required player and a valued player.

"I don't foresee any changes unless someone wants to leave and we think it is good for them and good for us. Then we may have something to play with.

"We have some players who should be back next week. There are a couple of players who haven't played a lot of minutes. We have some young kids who have been working in the background . If we run short, I'm happy to give those guys an opportunity because they have been developing in the background."

The Jets are also in the midst of a potential change in ownership, which hopefully, will also be finalised in January.

"I have had some discussions with the potential owners," Stanton said. "I had talks on Friday morning which was good.

"It's not distracting for me. Everyone wants this to happen. When it happens, it will be a boost and make people happy. The hard work will only be just beginning. "

Stanton has taken a half-glass full view of the Jets' 1-all draw with Macarthur.

The Jets went ahead in the ninth minute through Taylor and then hung on until the 97th minute when Phil Cancar bundled into Bulls replacement Lachy Rose in the box. Valere Germain converted from the spot for a share of the points. Had the Jets hung on they would have moved to fifth spot on 15 points.

"You can look at it as half-glass empty or half-glass full. I'll take the half-glass full because it's a point away from home," Stanton said.

"We will be positive with the players. I thought we were excellent in the first half. We moved the ball well, we played through lines. We were playing against a very desperate team, who have good players.

"You have to accept with young players, they are going to make mistakes. They will drop off at times. You have to keep working with them to improve them. It was another painful lesson but we will learn as a group and move forward."