The Socceroos have been boosted by the return of 2015 AFC Asian Cup Champions Trent Sainsbury, James Troisi and Tomi Juric for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Jordan in Amman on Thursday 8 October.
Sainsbury,
Juric and Troisi played a significant part in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup triumph
and their return illustrates the depth coach Ange Postecoglou has crafted as
the Socceroos plot a path through the opening round of World Cup Qualifiers.
“It is a
sign of the depth we are creating that we bring these three guys back into the
squad for the Jordan game,” Postecoglou said. “All three played a major part in
our Asian Cup success and after finding fitness and regular club football they
are ready to come back in.
“We are
slowly building a squad with alternatives and depth and when we add these three
guys to the squad that did very well and won both games in the September window
we are building nicely.
“We have
said all along that we will need a pool deeper than 23 players throughout the
World Cup Qualifiers as we strive to make an impact leading into the next World
Cup in Russia.”
The
Socceroos sit on top of Group B with a 100 per cent record, defeating
Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh and Tajikistan, but the trip to Jordan looms as the
toughest test for the Socceroos so far. Jordan sits two points behind the
Socceroos after three matches.
“On paper
this is the toughest match we face but we have seen in the earlier games,
especially the clash with Kyrgyzstan away, that these matches present
challenges on and off the field,” Postecoglou said. “The last time Australia
faced Jordan in Amman we lost that game so we have to be well prepared.
“I was happy
with the way we evolved both in results and our performances in the last two
games and we will look to build on that against Jordan.”
Postecoglou
has also drafted in James Meredith to the squad after monitoring the form and
progression of the Bradford City left back for the past 18 months.
“We have
been keeping an eye on James for the past 18 months and this season he has
started well so we’ll bring him in to see how he fits into the system,”
Postecoglou said. “We still need a bit more depth in our fullback areas so
James has a chance to impress and show us he can add something to our rapidly
increasing pool of players.”
Postecoglou
has not selected Jackson Irvine and Chris Ikonomidis as the pair will travel to
Korea with Aurelio Vidmar’s Olyroos squad for two matches against Korea
Republic as they continue preparations for January’s Olympic Games Qualifiers.
“Both
Jackson and Chris have done well in the Socceroos camp but we think it’s
important that we prepare well for these Olympic Games Qualifiers as the
Olympic Games offer a big opportunity in the development of these younger
players,” Postecoglou said.
“Not just
Chris and Jackson, there is a number of players in the Olyroos squad we feel
could force their way into the Socceroos squad in the coming years.”
The
Socceroos match against Jordan will be broadcast exclusively LIVE on FOX SPORTS
and on a one hour delay on SBS.
Socceroo
Match Details
Jordan v
Australia
8
October 2015
Amman
International Stadium, Amman
5pm kick
off (1am AEST)
Socceroos
squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier v Jordan
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