Jets say Heskey fitting in well

The 34-year-old former England and Liverpool striker arrived little more than a week ago but has already made a huge impression on his new Jets team-mates and coach Gary van Egmond, who has named him in his squad for the side's season opener.

"He's a top bloke," Zadkovich said.

"He's only been here a week and it feels like he's been here a year.

"He's just a good lad and a quality player and we're really lucky to have him."

Heskey has been reunited at the club with former England Under-18 team-mate Michael Bridges.

And while both may have similarities Zadkovich says they also have their differences.

"Bridgey brings a lot of bad dress sense and Emile brings a lot of quality football," he joked.

"No Bridgey's a good player and they both bring something different.

"They're actually very different personalities. Bridgey is very out there and Emile is very quiet and shy and he just flies under the radar."

A fit and firing Jets outfit will be looking to take advantage of a likely battle weary Adelaide side who returns from ending its Asian Champions League campaign with a 3-2 extra-time loss to Bunyodkor in Tashkent.

The side will also be without Iain Fyfe and Fabian Barbiero, who must serve one-match bans after both were sent off during the heated the quarter-final defeat earlier this week.

But Zadkovich feels the match-practice may even give the Reds an edge.

"They've been playing competitive games and that's probably a little bit of an advantage for them and we've obviously just had a pretty long strenuous pre-season," he said.

"So it depends how you look at it, but for us we know they're a good side and it's going to be a tough game so we're pretty pumped."

After a long pre season Zadkovich admits his side can't wait to finally get its season started but while Newcastle is ready to unleash its typically aggressive style he says "controlled aggression" is the key.

As for who will win.

"Oh we'll win," he joked.

"Who knows, it's tough to predict but I know we're ready, we've been working hard.

"They're a good side so it's going to be a really tough game, but hopefully we can get a result."