Jets could welcome back Nigel Boogaard to face Melbourne City

Newcastle captain Nigel Boogaard is a strong possibility to return from injury to face Melbourne City on Friday.

Newcastle’s defence looks set to be bolstered by the return of captain Nigel Boogaard from injury. Picture: AAP

Ernie Merrick is keeping his cards close to his chest, but it appears Newcastle captain Nigel Boogaard is set to cap a remarkable recovery by playing against Melbourne City in the A-League grand final qualifier against Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.

Given up as a lost cause early last month after he broke a bone in his knee, Boogaard has shown extraordinary commitment and dedication to get himself back into a position where he is pushing for a start.

The 31-year-old defender, who was supposed to be out for the rest of the season, played in an intra-club trial behind closed doors last Friday and trained again yesterday in what is an encouraging sign for Merrick and the Jets.

And in more good news, marquee attacker Ronny Vargas is also back in full training despite suggestions he would be sidelined indefinitely because of a groin injury suffered in the penultimate game of the regular season on April 6.

Boogaard, who recently signed a new two-year deal with the club, has been a rock in defence for the Jets this season, especially with his leadership.

It was no coincidence the club suffered a three-game losing streak in his absence.

Vargas has been unlucky with injuries. The Venezuelan suffered a horrendous injury when he broke his ankle in round three on October 22. He returned for round 23 and was starting to hit his straps again when he hurt his groin.

Merrick said he is happy with the progress of both players.

“They will be part of the squad for Friday night, they are both looking good,” Merrick said yesterday following a short, sharp training session. “We will train again tomorrow and the team will have Wednesday off.”

Merrick was noncommittal when asked if both were a chance of starting against City or likely to come off the bench. He admitted he is reluctant to make any changes to the side that trounced Central Coast Mariners 8-2 in the final game of the season.

But the Scotsman, a two-time A-League championship-winning coach, is renowned for selling dummies to the media.

“They are training well and as I have always said, every spot in the side is up for grabs,” he said. “But it would be hard to make too many changes after the way they played in the last game.”

Now that the semi-final opponents are known, Merrick said nothing will change in terms of the preparation or tactics, or the fact the Jets have not beaten City in their three games to date during the regular season.

The Jets were beaten 2-1 on their own turf before a 2-2 draw in Melbourne. However, they produced one of their worst performances of the season when they went down 3-0 to the Victorians at home a little over three weeks ago.

Merrick, however, is not bothered by the statistics.

“A couple of games have been very close. The first game their goalkeeper was the man of the match. In the second we dominated the first half but were not so good in the second and in the last one they scored from two corners and a free-kick,” he pointed out.

“I don’t think we have to do too much different. We have our structure and style of play.”

Jets officials are expecting a huge turnout for their first finals appearance at home since February 17, 2008 when they beat Brisbane Roar. Newcastle went on to win the title, beating the Mariners in the grand final.

The club has already sold 12,500 tickets to club members with public tickets to go on sale today.

Chief executive Lawrie McKinna believes the club is on track to break its all-time home attendance record of 24,000.