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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
James Gardiner

A-League: Former fan favourite out to revive career in familiar territory

CONTRACT HOPEFUL: Ali Abbas left takes off in pursuit of Valentino Yuel at training. Picture: Sproule Sports Focus

ALI Abbas launched his A-League career at the Jets more than a decade ago.

Now the Iraq International is hoping to revive it in Newcastle.

Abbas, 34, is among three contract hopefuls likely to play off the bench in the Jets' hit out against Macarthur at Maitland Sportsground on Thursday.

A fleet-footed left-sided winger, Abbas joined the Jets from Marconi in 2009. The former refugee spent three seasons at Turton Road and also had stints with Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix as well two seasons in Korea at Pohang.

However, he hasn't played top-flight football for two years and spent four weeks on trial at Macarthur before joining the Jets last week.

"It is just a matter of seeing where he is at physically," caretaker coach Craig Deans said. "He knows the area, he knows the club. It would be an easy transition for him. It's a matter of where he fits in with the make up of the squad."

Antony Burke and Jack Armson will also be on the bench.

"We need to have a look at them, give them some feed back make a decision on whether they stay or we let them go," Deans said.

However, Melbourne duo Josh Wilkins and Dillon Jakupi only joined the group this week and won't play. They are being looked as potential cover if Matt Millar stays at English League One club Shrewsbury Town. The right wingback is on loan until January but their is an option to buy the flyer.

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