Central Coast youngsters set to shine

Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna will be looking to the youth of the club in Saturday’s Round 26 clash with the Newcastle Jets.

The Mariners cannot qualify for the finals this season so McKinna will almost certainly bring in some players from the top-of-the-table youth team to show their wares.

With injuries to key senior players John Hutchinson, Andre Clark and Matt Simon forcing him to make some changes, McKinna says a few of those youth team youngsters could get the chance to make their A-League debuts.

“Our youth team is leading the table and there’s been several boys playing very well,” McKinna said. “We’ll monitor our injured guys, but the next two matches give us a chance to look at some young guys.”

With Panny Nikas, Matthew Lewis and Mitchell Mallia all playing at senior level this season, McKinna could call on them but is also considering Brady Smith, Nathan Sherlock and Bernie Ibini-Isei for the Jets clash which he sees as a must-win to provide something for the loyal fans.

“It’s important to finish as high up as possible,” McKinna said. “We want to win the match for our fans and give them something to cheer about.”