Valkanis hails United's fighting spirit

Adelaide United Coach, Michael Valkanis has praised his side's ability to fight back during the second half of Friday night's draw with Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Rather than lamenting the missed opportunities and the offside decision with three minutes left in the game which would've handed the home side the win, Valkanis said he was proud of their efforts.

He said his team was frustrated with the end result, but he was pleased with the quality of football they produced.

"If you went into our dressing rooms after the match, the boys looked like they had just lost a grand final," Valkanis said.

"They were bitterly disappointed, but I was trying to cheer them up because I thought their response in the second half was excellent.

"Even after the ref's decision, the boys were still going and trying to get a win which was excellent and that's what we want to see in a team representing Adelaide United."

The interim coach admitted he didn't believe Dario Vidosic was offside, but was not going to dispute the decision.

"It's one of those moments where I am glad I'm not a linesman or referee," he said.

"We were celebrating because we thought we won the game.

"Just looking at it, I couldn't see where the offside was but we can't do anything about it now.

"It's been done and we just have to be positive with our second half performance which was really good."

United still sit fourth on the ladder, the draw enabling them to steer four wins clear of fifth-placed Newcastle.

With just two games remaining before the finals begin, the coach said he is hoping for a strong finish.

"We are still striving to try and finish second but that may not be the case because we've missed some of these points.

"But there were too many positives to come out of tonight's game and that's what we need to think about in terms of us improving for the finals."

The Reds could be boosted by the return of striker Bruce Djite for next week's clash with Central Coast Mariners, who is looking set to return from an injured groin.

"Bruce trained this week, but it was a short week, so it was all about recovery, but he'll have a full week this week and will be up for selection."

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