The next Australian captain will only gibber to media and toss a coin, Socceroos great Paul Wade says.
So Wade is not fussed if coach Ange Postecoglou doesn’t even name a captain for next month’s World Cup in Brazil.
“The captain is only there to gibber on at the press conference and toss the coin,” Wade told AAP on Thursday.
“He does have a bit of influence when it comes to the dynamics … but at the end of the day it’s not his job to motivate players.
“It’s not like a cricket captain. I wouldn’t lose any sleep if he (Postecoglou) didn’t nominate a captain at all.”
Postecoglou will next Wednesday name Australia’s 30-man preliminary squad for the World Cup.
Incumbent captain Lucas Neill has been ruled out, leaving Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak as favourite to lead Australia in Brazil.
Wade said overlooking Neill was only surprising because it happened so close to the cup.
“I thought he would know a little bit earlier than that,” said Wade, who captained Australia in 46 of his 84 internationals.
“But when I look at Lucas’ performances, you can blame him for lots of things, but he was too slow. And I think he put his hand up for that.
“But he has also then put his hand up to play … he tried his hardest to get back in there, going to Doncaster, that shows commitment.
“And I remember he had a go at the youngsters and said `hey, if you want my shirt, come and get it, but you’re going to have to earn it’.
“Everyone took offence to that. But I’m thinking `good on you Lucas’. It showed pride in the shirt … there are no free rides here.”
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