'I'm here if we need': Chantel Jones prepared to answer another Canberra United SOS in the W-League

Jones was lured out of retirement in a draw with Perth as coach Vicki Linton looked to fill the void left by injured shot-stoppers Sally James [finger] and Keeley Richards [knee].

The 32-year-old has signed a playing contract with Canberra for the remainder of the campaign but admits she would rather see James and Richards return to the fray.

It is hoped James will return to the fray for Canberra's next clash against ladder leaders Sydney FC on February 8 given her injury is minor.

But Jones is prepared to suit up for what will be United's second outing in more than four weeks if she must.

MORE SPORT

"Hopefully not but I'm here if we need," Jones said.

"I've kept myself in pretty good shape since I hurt my knee two years ago, when you get into your thirties and you've played so long, your technical is always there.

"It's judgement of the ball and a few things like that. I had about two weeks of training, so it's alright. Hopefully we can get Sally or Keeley back for next time so I can go back to coaching because that's where I belong.

"Sally and Keeley have both been fantastic, as a coach I couldn't ask for anything more. They support each other and work hard every training session.

"They have fantastic attitudes and zero ego at all, I'm trying to get them to have a little bit of an ego. They're fantastic, I love working with them and can't wait to see them grow.

"Sally has had a fantastic first few games, she's kept us in those games. I'm happy to watch and be their cheerleader and supporter."

Canberra were originally slated to play Perth at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday night but that match has been postponed.

It gives Linton another extended break to prepare her squad for a clash with competition front-runners Sydney, scheduled for Kogarah Oval on February 8.

Canberra will enter the clash having played one match in more than four weeks as officials continue to revamp the draw due to border restrictions designed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It'll be a good test for us, we're eager to play them," Jones said.

"It'll be a good test to see where we're at on the table. They're playing really well, a really good squad. Hopefully we rise to the occasion and we're able to stick it to them and take away three points.

"Going forward, we have such a strong attack in Michelle [Heyman], Paige [Satchell] and Nicki [Flannery].

"Michelle is a great ball winner, when we get pressed we just look for her, she's able to hold it and we were able to play off that [against Perth this past weekend]."