Heskey the next to commit

Dynamic duo ... Emile Heskey and Michael Bridges still going strong.  Source: The Daily Telegraph

They are the star English double act pivotal to the Newcastle Jets chances of reaching the A-League play-offs this season.

But in the build-up to Friday's crucial clash against Brisbane Roar, Emile Heskey and Michael Bridges have revealed their goals are not just short term with the club.

Both can sense the Jets are building towards something special and are keen for their own on-field partnership to stretch beyond the end of the current campaign.

Heskey did not try to hide his desire to stay in Newcastle - a huge boost to the league on the back of Del Piero's imminent re-signing.

He is now waiting on a firm contract offer from the Jets before officially settling his future.

"I've met with the club and they've said they will get something in writing to me so that's what I'm waiting on,"Heskey said.

"I've got a few other options but I'm happy to stay.

"It's been good. It's been refreshing, it's been exciting and the young lads here have really helped me feel that way as well.

"I'm excited about what lies ahead for the lads and the team here."

At 34, Bridges is seven months younger than Heskey and hardly one of the "young lads".

But there is enormous mutual respect between the pair.

Their friendship stretches back 18 years when they roomed together as teenagers while playing for England Under 17's.

Bridges had a role in getting Heskey to the club and says keeping him around is a must.

"He's been fantastic, not only for Newcastle but for the A-League," Bridges said. "And him being here means I'm not the oldest."

As for his own future, Bridges knows he still has work to do to convince coach Gary van Egmond he deserves another contract.

A crowd favourite, he had only his first start for the season alongside Heskey in the 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart a week ago and while he was outstanding, he knows his future rests on more than one game.

"You want to play as long as you can,"Bridges said.

"I love Newcastle. I'm settled here and hopefully one way or another, I can sit down and sort something out with the Jets.

"I'll just use the rest of the season to put my best foot forward and do my best for this football club.

"It will be up to Gary (coach Van Egmond) after that to see if I'm on board again for next season but I want to keep playing."

Heskey says room has to be found in the roster for Bridges.

"Definately,"he said.

"The thing with Bridgy outside his own football ability is his experience and just the way he interacts and helps the young lads.

"He's given a lot to the club.

"It's been tough for him this season not getting on the park all that much but it's never affected his professionalism and the way he's gone about things at training and with the lads."

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