Mark Schwarzer will lead the Socceroos in this month’s must-win World Cup qualifier against Oman, but there’s no place for Brett Emerton, who captained Australia just three months ago.
Veteran goalkeeper Schwarzer, who has captained the Socceroos on nine previous occasions, will lead the side onto Stadium Australia in the absence of suspended regular skipper Lucas Neill.
Back in December, Emerton, the second most capped Socceroo with 91, captained a squad comprised mainly of A-League players in the East Asian Cup qualifiers in Hong Kong, where he was named player of the tournament.
Sydney FC star Emerton 34, has had form and fitness issues since then.
Asked about Emerton’s form, coach Holger Osieck took a deep breath before saying “you can see in his games he is always trying very hard, he’s doing a lot for his club team.”
“But when you look at the attacking options I have put together, I think right now these boys are a little bit ahead.
“He’s an experienced guy and he definitely will bounce back and he has a good opportunity in the upcoming derby versus the (Western Sydney) Wanderers to show his quality.
“There’s still a long way to go in qualifying. We have after that Oman game three more crucial games,so i think Emmo is still in consideration for that.”
Overseas-based players Tim Cahill, Mile Jedinak, Tommy Oar and Tom Rogic return to the 23-man squad named on Wednesday after missing last month’s friendly against Romania.
Australia head into the game in second spot in the World Cup Asian qualifying tournament’s Group B, eight points behind runaway leader Japan, who have played one game more.
The Socceroos are level on points with Iraq and Oman and just one point ahead of Jordan.
Osieck took issue with a suggestion a win against Oman was not crucial.
“It is crucial. It is decisive and we can’t jeopardise anything,” Osieck said.
“We have to go full speed. We have to win it. There’s no ifs and buts and I don’t allow any discussions.”
Among the central defensive options to replace Neill are Jade North, Michael Thwaite and Mark Milligan, who along with goalkeepers Eugene Galekovic and Mat Ryan and striker Archie Thompson comprise a six-man A-League contingent in the squad.
“To have six already in the loop for a very important qualifier, I think is a very good sign for the league,” Osieck said.
Neill apart, midfielder Carl Valeri is also unavailable due to suspension and Osieck nominated Jedinak and James Holland as possibilities to replace him.
Defenders Matt Smith and Matthew Spiranovic and goalkeeper Adam Federici were among those not considered for the squad due to injury.
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