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Can Irish Messi take Newcastle Jets to the summit of A-League?

ByDave Stopher

Sep 13, 2019 #Sports

It’s safe to say that Wes Hoolahan is a club legend at Norwich City, having spent a decade at the English club. At the Carrow Road, he played 323 matches and scored 47 goals, writing his name in the club’s record books.

He’s love for football has taken him across the continent, as he recently signed a year deal with Australian League side Newcastle Jets.

The signing of the 37-year-old attracted few fanfares than Emile Heskey’s in New South Wales of Australia. The signing of former England forward generated huge excitement, to the extent that broadcasters introduced a technology called ‘Heskey-cam’ so fans across the country could track all his moves during a game against Melbourne Victory.

Wes joins countrymates like former Chelse winger Damien Duff, late Liam Miller, and Andy Keogh as ex-Republic of Ireland players to make such move. At 37, you will wonder if the player tagged ‘Irish Messi’ has anything meaningful to offer the Newcastle Jets in lifting them above the seventh-place the finished last year.

The comparisons with Barcelona and Argentine star Lionel Messi may be outrageous but it’s crystal clear the ex-Shelbourne Junior is technically gifted and creative.

Coach of Newcastle Ernie Merrick was left disappointed with his team’s decision-making upfront last year. Merric hopes the ‘Irish Messi’ can contribute more in attack for striker Abdiel Arroyo – the Jets’ other key acquisition. Panama international Arroyo joins from Arabe Unido on a season-long loan.

One of the reasons why signing Hoolahan was reasonable is that he can pass on his wealth of experience to his young colleagues. Wes has made 43 international appearances for Ireland, including three goals, one at Euro 2016 to earn his national team a 1-all draw against Sweden, and with slotsify, you can get some impressive casino bonus on the player’s next goal for either his club or country.

Midfielders Angus Thurgate and Jack Simmons can learn directly from an experienced Premier League and EFL Championship player. Wes shot down concerns raised about his age upon his unveiling as a Newcastle player. Claiming that age is nothing but a number.

Unlike a regular Championship campaign, the Australian league is quite forgiving. The 2019/20 league campaign has 26 matches for each football club with only three weeks of rest. The experienced striker believes he can properly manage his game and fitness.

Some weeks ago Hoolahan started off with a goal in his team’s 5-1 FFA Cup victory over Edgeworth. It’s widely believed that A-league side Adelaide United will offer a stiffer test in the last 8 ties on Tuesday.

With the ‘Irish Messi’ playing alongside striker Abdiel Arroyo and Dimi Petratos as well as Nick Fitzgerald, Newcastle is in for something spectacular this campaign. A top-six finish seems to be a reality.

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