The upcoming games, starting with Sunday afternoon’s showdown with Newcastle, are crucial to our hopes of finishing in the top six.

But, as much as it feels like I’ve let the team down by being suspended, having fresh legs for the rest of the season will be important to help lift the Wanderers.

The way to make amends is to play well and start scoring goals, because there are vital Asian Champions League games coming up as well as helping lift our A-League campaign.

We’ve drawn Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds and Korean team FC Seoul and await a playoff winner, likely from China, so it’s going to be a huge test and great incentive to chase our second ACL crown.

It’s now been six games without a win, but the squad is working harder than ever to turn one point into three.

We were a bit unlucky not to win the derby on Saturday and you can see the determination amongst the boys.

Not to dwell on the penalty non-decision, but it was such a tight game and sometimes when a team has had a tough run, those calls keep going against you. Still, as much as we’re eighth, we’re also just one game away from a finals place.

At this stage, it’s not about trying to play amazing football, it’s about winning and fighting for every ball.

If it’s ugly, we can handle it, as long as it’s effective and builds some form and momentum.

After three weeks, I’m itching to get back out there and have been working hard to be ready, even without the recent match fitness.

Newcastle will be upbeat after beating the Roar in Brisbane and a 2-all draw against Perth, but hopefully all our Illawarra-based Wanderers fans can make it out to Campbelltown to help us to victory.

IT’S BEEN an interesting January window, as clubs reshape their squads.

It can be unsettling in some environments, but it can also provide a huge boost.

Sydney FC announced the signing of defender Jordy Buijs, who has the ability to find the net in the other leagues he has played in.

There has been a lot said this week about Scott McDonald coming to the Wanderers.

Let’s wait and see how it plays out, but it’s always a boost to a squad to have another striker come in. 

It adds another dimension to attacking plans and as a striker, it’s great to have a new voice around to work with.

There’s no doubt Scott is a class player.

Western Sydney Wanderers fixtures

A-LEAGUE

Sunday v Newcastle at Campbelltown Stadium (5pm)

January 28 v Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium (7.50pm)

February 4 v Wellington at Yarrow Stadium (5.35pm)

February 12 v Central Coast at Spotless Stadium (5pm). Ladder: SYDNEY FC 37, MELBOURNE VICTORY 32, MELBOURNE CITY 23, BRISBANE ROAR 21, WELLINGTON PHOENIX 18, PERTH GLORY 18, Newcastle Jets 17, Western Sydney Wanderers 15, Adelaide United 10, Central Coast Mariners 10.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

February 21 v Urawa Red Diamonds at Campbelltown Stadium (Time TBC)

February 28 v ACL Playoff winner (away)