Newcastle Jets midfielder Kaz Patafta had the acid put on him by coach Gary van Egmond and failed to impress in a trial match yesterday.
The Jets took on Central Coast Mariners as a warm-up match for their Asian Champions League games next week and van Egmond was hoping he could have some selection difficulties with others pushing the current starting line-up for a berth.
Patafta was one of those players van Egmond was relying on but he failed to fire and could be on his last legs at the club.
"We tried him in a position and it didn't really suit him," said van Egmond.
"If you play a 4-2-3-1 he could be the player who plays behind the striker and if you play a 4-3-3 he can be the midfielder who pushes on but he is definitely a central player.
"We looked at him in a wide position and it didn't work with or without the ball it's not saying that Kaz is a poor player he is just doesn't fit the style we are looking at at the moment
"At the moment it is touch and go as to whether we keep him on ... Kaz has shown some good flashes but he is a bit of an enigma and ... from a coach's point of view, I need someone consistent to rely on.
"We have talked to him about being consistent and that is a side of his game we really need to see from him."