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Postecoglou to try more new faces: Okon

12th August, 2014
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Former Socceroos great Paul Okon expects Ange Postecoglou to experiment with his side in the lead-up to next year’s Asian Cup.

The Socceroos will play several international friendlies, starting with a clash against Belgium on September 5, as they prepare for the January 9-31 tournament on home soil.

Okon, who played 28 matches for the Sooceroos from 1991-2003, said while the players who delivered in Brazil deserve to keep their spots, he believed Socceroos coach Postecoglou would attempt to keep his charges on their toes.

“I think (Postecoglou) will bring in new faces (for the Socceroos’ friendlies),” he said.

“I think he will continue to make competition for spots high.

“We’ve got some good friendlies against Belgium, the UAE and Qatar are two Asian footballing nations who are similar to what we will face during the actual tournament.

“(Postecoglou) will probably want to see how some of the players deal with those teams.

“And of course a lot will depend on our overseas players and if they’re fit at the time.”

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Young Socceroos coach Okon, Socceroos great Brett Emerton, former Australian coach Rale Rasic and former Iraq international Ali Abbas were on Tuesday unveiled as ambassadors for the Asian Cup.

The likes of Robbie Kruse, Tommy Rogic and Rhys Williams are among those who missed the World Cup through injury but are in line to return for the Asian Cup.

Rogic is back in training with Scottish club Celtic as he continues his rehabilitation from groin surgery.

Emerton admitted he was a fan of the attacking midfielder and hoped to see him in the Australian squad for the Asian Cup.

“I think a fully fit Tommy Rogic should be part of our national team,” he said.

“I’ve got great admiration for him. I think he’s very talented. I think he’s a big part of the future. Hopefully he can be fit come January and hopefully he can get some decent game time.”

The Socceroos begin their Asian Cup campaign against Kuwait at AAMI Park in Melbourne on January 9.

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