Newcastle Jets fought back twice with the help of Morten Nordstrand to equalise their Boxing Day match against Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium 2-2.

After returning from an ankle injury in Round 11 against Adelaide United, the Danish striker has been left off the starting roster and referred to the bench for the last two matches. The goalscoring powerhouse was subbed on from the bench in the second half against Adelaide, before scoring the game winner in the 94th minute.

Surprisingly the attacker was again left on the bench for their Round 12 match against Wellington yesterday, after getting a run in the second half thanks to an injured Nigel Boogard. With both Phoenix and the Jets acknowledging the presence the Dane brings to the pitch.

However Jets’ coach Mark Jones reassured Nordstrand fans that the super sub would be likely to start in their away match against Melbourne Victory in the New Year.

“Morten will most likely start the following game, I thought he did well enough to start and it’s about them earning their spot and he did more then enough to earn his start against Victory,” said Jones.

Adding on what exactly earned him his spot, “He gives us the speed and a threat up front in the middle. You saw when he carried the ball he could outrun people.

He created things and he is very direct and a magnificent cut back for the goal.”

Disappointing not to get 3 points but thoroughly entertaining match #NEWvWEL, Nordstrand made big difference when coming on #quality

— Ivan Hecimovic (@hecivan70) December 26, 2016

The striker had been a familiar name on the starting line-up prior to his ankle injury and looks set to reclaim his position on the starting team to strengthen the Jets’ squad.

Wellington coach Chris Greenacre emphasised the threat Nordstrand was in the game and the spark it gave the Jets when he was brought on.

“We mentioned him starting today because he always brings a threat. I think he’s caused us problems over the past couple of years now, just the runs he makes in behind between the two centre backs proves he is always a threat,” said Greenacre.

Why was the Dane on the bench in the first half?? Too much turkey? Nordstrand is classy #NEWvWEL #ALeague

— peter hone (@peterhone) December 26, 2016

“He is comfortable coming to feet and I think he did spark a little bit of light back into them. We didn’t cope with him on occasions, but we were disappointed to be in front and cough up the points.”

In the new year Nordstrand and his side will face Melbourne Victory away in Round 13, while Wellington host Adelaide United at home in a bid to secure an important three points.