Jets players will treat Tim Cahill with respect but not reverence

It will be the first time the Jets have played against the Socceroos veteran since he joined the A-League at the start of this season.

Even at 36, Cahill remains a formidable force, as evidenced by his sensational long-range goal on debut in the recent Melbourne derby.

But there will be no stargazing from Newcastle’s players as they focus on bouncing back from successive 2-0 losses to Sydney and Wellington.

“Obviously he’s an Australian hero and it’s really good for him to be back in the league, because kids love him and what-not,’’ Jets winger Andrew Nabbout said.

“But he’s another player in that team and they’ve got a lot of quality around him.

“So we’re not only wary of him. We’re wary of the whole team … we’re going to be looking at him exactly the same way we’re looking at [Bruno] Fornaroli and the rest of them.’’

Nabbout’s sentiments were echoed by Newcastle’s English import, Wayne Brown.

“It’s not about any individual,’’ Brown said. “We’re going to go there not thinking about any players. We’re just going there to do a job and perform the best we can.’’

Brown said City, who were beaten 1-0 in Brisbane last week, have been inconsistent.

“For me, I think they’ve been a little bit hot and cold this season,’’ he said.

“Some games they’ve been phenomenal, and some games they’ve not produced that form. But for us … if we compete and play to our levels, we know that we can beat anyone on our day in this league.’’

Nabbout, who returned from a groin injury last week off the bench, was confident he could handle 90 minutes.

“I hope so,’’ he said. “Depending on what the gaffer wants, I hope to get through as much of the game as possible and have as much of an impact as possible.’’

 City coach John van't Schip, who accused Brisbane of “parking the bus’’ last week, has challenged his players to be more daring if the Jets sit back and try to play them on the counter.

"Newcastle will do the same and maybe they will defend because of the way that we want to play," van't Schip said. "Maybe they will want to press us but we'll see.

“If not then we have to make sure that we move the ball quickly and try to mix it up and have more threats.’’