Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has several A-League players in his sights as he looks to settle on his World Cup squad and will be carefully tracking their progress.
Postecoglou will name a 23-man squad next week for the March 5 friendly against Ecuador in London and says there’ll be some new faces in the side, including players from Europe and the A-League.
But he says while a few A-League players may miss out on this squad they are still well in contention.
“There are probably two or three who’ll probably miss out who are pretty close and if they maintain their form they’re still well in the calculations,” he said.
“But I’ve been pretty pleased that some of the players I’ve been tracking are starting to find some consistency.
“This is the interesting part of the A-League season too, the games mean a little bit more and the pressure is bit higher with the finals around the corner and some of them will be playing champions league games.
“So good form in that kind of environment is a good indicator.”
Postecoglou was in the stands as Melbourne Victory sealed their qualification into the Asian Champions League with a 2-1 win over Thai team Muangthong United on Friday.
Victory forward James Troisi, who scored in the match, made a move back to the A-League from Italy in the hope of getting on Postecoglou’s radar ahead of Brazil and the coach said he was among a few players in the club he had his eye one.
Playmaker Tom Rogic and Mark Milligan are near-certainties for Brazil, while the likes of Mitch Nichols and veteran Archie Thompson could also be in the mix.
“Yeah James is in contention,” Postecoglou said.
“He’s one of a number of players in the A-League who are starting to show some consistency.
“I was wrapped on Friday night for a number of reason with Melbourne Victory getting through.
“They’ve got two or three players who are well in contention for the squad, so the fact they’re getting extra games is great.”
Postecoglou, who last week returned from a scouting trip in Europe, plans to use the Ecuador game to test out as many fringe players as possible with it being the final game before he settles on his extended World Cup squad in May.
But he says if players miss out on the the March clash they’ll still have the opportunity to impress at their clubs.
“We’ve got to announce our squad of 30 by the beginning of our camp in May,” he said.
“So from then on I’ll be following club form.”
After the Ecuador friendly the Socceroos will play a farewell match in late May, likely to be in Sydney, before heading to Brazil.
Postecoglou saying an opponent is close to being confirmed for that match.
Australia will also play at least one friendly in Brazil before they kick off their campaign against Chile on June 13, with a June 6 clash against Croatia all but confirmed.
Bob
Guest
I am glad you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it, had quite a few chuckles myself. Happy to see you picked up my use of the "strong" adjective, I thought labeling Victory simply as "favourites" was a real disservice to the club and team.
clayts
Guest
" The likes of Troisi, Juric and to a lesser extent Duke had cracking starts to the season but they have fallen away due to injury, suspension and form" I should have just copied and pasted this into the responses to my comment above. People criticising Williams for being inconsistent and in the same breath saying Troisi is more of a chance for a WC spot.
Ginger71
Guest
Ive never heard anything so hilarious in all my life.
clayts
Guest
And Troisi isn't inconsisent? Spare me
Los Oso
Guest
Re defenders: If Curtis Good continues to play until the end of the SPL season in the first XI as he has since done moving to Dundee United in the transfer window, he surely will start at CB in Brazil. A certainty to play against Equador at CB too you'd think.
Nathan Cirson
Roar Pro
I would ordinarily not be picking either North or Og but with Sainsbury and Williams going down and Neill's lack of game time we are quite stretched at center half. If we're picking 4 centre halfs who would they be?
Patrick Hargreaves
Roar Guru
Rogic has barely any assists or goals to his name.
Realfootbal
Guest
Just got back from the pub, I assume, Patrick.
Realfootbal
Guest
That's "rapt" by the way, Angela. Ange was not "wrapped" about MV's win.
pimbo
Roar Rookie
We haven't really got much to choose from. Even Rogic looks pretty ordinary since he came back. No chance in the WC whoever he picks.
jack
Guest
Would of made more sense to me to have a March 5 match for the euro guys and say an april Wednes freindly against say NZ for the Hal guys. That way he gets to see both lots Ogonoski and North are not going to w;c though
Stevo
Guest
Hmmmmm, In the full heat of WC battle, Willo's weaknesses would be magnified to the point that he'd be made to look like a complete ass. And that goes for many of the so called A-league talent. Sorry, but a step up to WC competition is a step too far for the majority of players.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Much of the team selection from the A-League will be a matter of adding depth and versatility to the squad. Hence a player like Zullo who can can act as cover on the left for either of Oar or Davidson may be ahead of someone like Troisi who is up against the likes of Sarota, Rogic and Bresciano for a more central offensive role. Juric & Taggart are in a similar position. They may look good on the pitch however they are up against the likes of Leckie/Cahill/Kennedy/Rukavysta who are not exactly having bad seasons themselves (particularly Leckie). For the record, injuries aside, I would have a punt on the A-League contribution consisting of Zullo (offensive & defensive cover on the left), Milligan (starting controlling/defensive midfied), Rogic (creative X-factor to come off the bench for Sarota), Franjic (starting on the right), Spiranovic (starting CB) and Galekovic (2nd or 3rd keeper). Bolters could include Malik (cover for a range of defensive positions) and Troisi (cover for the left and centre AMs). Of course this is entirely an opinion from someone who's coaching credentials are on par with his qualifications for being an astronaut.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Agree, Brattan is a much safer choice in the same position, and has been in great form this season. Plus Ange is well aware of his ability from Brisbane Roar.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Couldn't agree more, Williams is as inconsistent as his club.
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
North is not going there is no way he is going. Troisi is the most likely outside of Rogic and Milligan then who knows but can't see Og going either
Sports Candy
Roar Pro
Rogic has been very ordinary since he got back, losing the ball too easily and not finding his man. He was a better player before he left than since he's got back. They should resurrect the team of Germany 06 with the Duke as captain - they would do a better job than the current offering.
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
if you needed the '/sarcasm' at the end you probably need to go back to school
Sports Candy
Roar Pro
Doesn't matter who he picks. Lets be serious, we haven't got a hope of scoring a goal, let alone getting any points in the Brazil WC first round. Might as well stuff the squad full of young A-League players and hope for a miracle. More importantly lets ask ourselves why our national team has not improved (or even gone backwards) in the past 10 years and why there was no succession plan to phase out the golden generation with a strong young team.
Catnap
Guest
Sorry I just fell off my chair laughing at your statement!!!!!!!