Newcastle has tempted former skipper Michael Bridges out of retirement in a timely boost to its A-League campaign.
Bridges quit the game at the end of last season after succumbing to a knee injury, but the former Leeds striker has been back in training with the Jets in recent weeks in a bid to return to action.
The Jets struck a roadblock in their quest to sign the Englishman, having already filled their quota of five overseas players following the recent acquisition of ex-Arsenal forward Francis Jeffers.
But Football Federation Australia issued the Jets a dispensation allowing Ali Abbas to become a squad member rather than an import.
"I still feel like I have something to offer and after a rest, the body is feeling great," Bridges said.
"I have had an eight-week trial to see how the body held up and then had to show Gary (coach Gary van Egmond) over the last two weeks that I was still up to it.
"Whatever role is required of me, I am just happy to be a part of the team and I will contribute in whatever way I can."
The Jets beat Perth Glory 2-0 on Saturday for Van Egmond's first win since rejoining as coach of the club.
Newcastle travels to play struggling Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
AAP
Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia First posted November 07, 2011 16:18:20