Jestrovic looks to grab spotlight
Oct 19 2005
By Graham Chase, Daily Post
ANDERLECHT'S Serbian striker Nenad Jestrovic knows a thing or two about scoring goals and is backing himself to find the net against Liverpool.
The prolific 29-year-old, nicknamed 'Jestrogol' by the Belgian club's fans has scored eight goals in eight matches in the Jupiler League this season and recalls a strike for his national team in the 2-1 defeat to England two years ago as a major highlight of his career.
Jestrovic has scored a 55 goals in 76 games in Belgium and, according to his representative Sam Stapleton, his exploits have attracted interest from Wigan, Sunderland, West Ham, Leeds and Sheffield United.
And the Serbian international, who expects to feature in the World Cup in Germany next year, hopes to further under-line his reputation against Rafael Benitez's side.
He said: "I respect Liverpool - they're the Champions League champions and they played well last year - but I can score against them. Why not? I played against Sami (Hyypia) with the national team in the last qualification campaign. He's a good player, he's big, strong and good with his head.
"And last season, (Jamie) Carragher was one of the best in the Champions League and the Premiership.
"I have a lot of respect for him but I played against the England defence and scored against them, so why not against Liverpool?"
Benitez has cranked up the pressure on the Belgian outfit, who have already been beaten by Chelsea and Real Betis, by suggesting they have to win to stand a chance of qualification.
Jestrovic is realistic about the chances of his team, who have lost their last nine matches in the Champions League proper. But he is adamant that does not lessen the desire among his teammates to pull off a shock.
"We need to do something against Liverpool," Jestrovic added. "It's going to be difficult to qualify from the group because the group is so strong.
"Liverpool and Chelsea are mbuttive teams and Betis are also good so maybe we'll be in the UEFA Cup but we still want to beat Liverpool."
His team-mate, defender Vincent Kompany, has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Jestrovic thinks he would prove a big success in the Premiership - but the £2.5million forward also harbours hopes of a move himself.
"It's my dream (to move to England). If I have a good season this year, I hope to play in the Premiership because I think I have the ability to do that."
