Ahead of two crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Iraq (in Teheran) and UAE (at home) later this month, Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou’s public message to his players is loud and clear. Not only do they face an exciting year of opportunities to make their mark in international football, but that it’s time for them to deliver on the work invested in them over the last couple of years, with effective performances.
Announcing a provisional 30-man squad for the two World Cup qualifiers which will be cut to 23 early next week, the coach said, “From my perspective, I want to ensure that everyone involved, staff and players, are up for that challenge. I’m just not looking for guys who just want to participate. I’m looking for guys who want to make an impact over the next 12 months. That’s the idea behind selecting this squad and I think it will be represented in the 23 as well because it won’t be as straight forward as maybe people think, and making sure that everyone’s on notice.
“We’ll have 23 guys that are playing regularly and fully fit and for the most part in good form. The next challenge will be for those players to grasp the opportunity they have been given. We’ve put a lot of work into these players over the last couple of years to get them to this point and now it’s about them returning that and delivering in a real effective manner rather than just racking up caps.”
The 30-man squad has 15 changes from the extended squad named against Australia’s last opponent Thailand. There’s some surprise selections including 18-year-old Adelaide United player Riley McGree as well as the more experienced Sydney FC duo Rhyan Grant and keeper Danny Vukovic. In-form Melbourne Victory playmaker James Troisi returns, whilst the Dutch-based trio Mustafa Amini, Awer Mabil, and Chris Ikonomidis all receive a call-up.
Expected omissions due to injury include Tom Rogic and Matthew Spriranovic. Postecoglou downplayed any concerns around his central defence due to Spriranovic’s absence and Trent Sainsbury’s lack of game time at new club Inter Milan.
The coach said, ” I’d prefer it if Trent was playing. If he could crack a game at Inter, it’s good for everyone. Trent just training at the moment is not ideal… because it’s very hard to carry guys who aren’t playing regularly. But he’s no certainty to be in the squad.”
In the same boat are veteran Tim Cahill, Nathan Burns and Brad Smith, with the coach hoping they get some game time this weekend before he decides who makes the final cut.
“It’s unlikely all four will make it if they don’t play significant minutes over the weekend, so we’re kind of focusing on guys who are playing regularly.”