Melbourne Victory midfielder James Jeggo has not given up hope of playing finals football this season.
Melbourne Victory midfielder James Jeggo has not given up hope of playing finals football this season.
Victory sit eight points outside the top six with just three games remaining and must win all their fixtures in the run home to have any chance of playing any post-season football.
But the confident 20-year-old said there is still plenty to play for in the remaining three matches, starting with Saturday’s Big Blue clash against Sydney FC.
“As far as we are concerned the season isn’t over as yet,” Jeggo said after Victory training on Tuesday.
“Everyone has still got something to play for, so we are back here today working hard and looking forward to the weekend.”
“We have had two draws against them (Sydney FC) this season so it is a big chance to go out and get on top.”
Jeggo has been one of Victory’s best players during the past month, with the Austrian-born youngster starting to cement himself in central midfield.
Jeggo said he had learnt a lot from all his team-mates at training, but playing alongside Mark Milligan in Victory’s midfield had helped him immensely.
“I have really enjoyed playing with Millsy,” Jeggo said.
“He has been a big help since we have been playing together in the middle and I think we work well together.”
Jeggo also paid tribute to new boss Jim Magilton for taking a punt on him midway through the season.
Jeggo made his Victory debut back in November when he came on as a substitute against the Mariners, but has only really blossomed since the mid-season arrival of the Northern Irishman.
“He (Magilton) gave me a chance and I am really grateful for that,” he said.
“I went out every week in the youth team (earlier in the season) whether the gaffer was there or not and did as well as I could and now things have worked out.”
“Whether he saw something he liked or whatever … I have worked hard every day at training and was lucky enough to get a chance and now I am lucky enough to get some games.”
“He is making some positive changes, the training has been good, you can see he is trying to do something and given time it will work.”
And Jeggo believes there are a handful of players capable of making the same transition he did, from youth team player to A-League starter.
“They are young, but there is a lot of talent there,” Jeggo said of Victory’s youth team.
“Daz (youth boss Darren Davies) will keep on working with them and giving them the opportunity and I think there will be a few ready to step up soon.”
