Injected or not, Pim Verbeek’s decision to cut youngster Rhys Williams from the World Cup squad is justified. Many may not agree with the decision to include Mark Milligan, Richard Garcia or otherwise, but taking the 21-year-old under an injury cloud in a position where adequate cover is available was not an option.
While there are still injury concerns surrounding Harry Kewell, the Galatasaray forward is a key in the Socceroos squad. Williams is not – yet.
The Perth-born Middiesbrough player hoped his versatility would get him over the line in what is a versatile Australian squad. But with Luke Wilkshire as an outstanding first option at right back and possible cover from Brett Emerton and God forbid Lucas Neill, it was not Williams’ time.
Neill can play out on the right, as can the other cover in Mark Milligan – hopefully neither has to. Whether Pim’s verbal shot at Boro boss Gordon Strachan for reportedly playing Williams with an injection was simply a get-out clause is open for discussion.
The key reason Williams is not making the trip, along with his apparent injury, is that Australia’s wide posts are amongst the strongest positions in their side.
Scott Chipperfield on the left and Wilkshire on the right, as they were against the Danes on Tuesday night, are a strength defensively and going forward.
He cannot be taken as injury cover when Pim clearly believes there is injury concerns hanging over him. Injury doesn’t cover injury. Undoubtedly, the youngster would be devastated to miss out, but a bright future is ahead.
Williams is a star and at only 21 he is a certainty to be a regular in upcoming Asian Cup and qualification campaigns. His pelvic injury can be troublesome and recovery must be on the forefront of his mind. He is a future talent and leader of the Australian side, destined to play top-flight football in the near future.
Head up Rhys – we need you and your time is coming.
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