Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill faces a monumental battle to go to the World Cup, with coach Ange Postecoglou casting serious doubt over his selection for the Socceroos’ international friendly in March.
With coach Ange Postecoglou in Europe scouting players for the match, Lucas Neill won’t be getting a visit despite his proximity. Neill, who has failed to secure a club since leaving Japanese side Omiya Ardija early last month, is training with his former team in England, Blackburn Rovers.
Postecoglou has always voiced his opinion that no player is safe in the squad if they’re not playing at top level.
During his scouting trip, he says he’s only interested in catching up with players who are playing regularly and has no intention of chatting to Neill while he’s in the UK this week.
“The message is pretty clear and I don’t think it will surprise anyone that I’ll only be looking at players who are playing regularly and playing some good football,” he said.
Postecoglou said Australia’s opponent for the March friendly is close to being locked in, as well as who the Socceroos will face in their farewell clash in Sydney in May.
With the finals in Brazil less than five months away, the team will already be taking shape in Postecoglou’s mind.
He was quite happy to hear Tom Rogic’s signing to his old team Melbourne Victory, and will be keeping an eye on the midfielder.
Also in his gaze is Victory’s captain, Mark Milligan, who is recovering from injury but still a prospect in the Brazil squad.
It comes after news Robbie Kruse will be out of the World Cup after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last week.
