Ahead of tonight’s crucial fixture against Syria, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has reportedly moved star midfielder Aaron Mooy to the bench.
The Huddersfield player’s spot will be filled by Mathew Leckie while Tom Rogic enters the starting line-up, according to News Limited.
The news comes as a shock with Mooy performing well for his Premier League side as well as turning in a good performance against Syria in last week’s 1-1 draw.
It appears that Postecoglou is attempting to shake up the side ahead of the match with this risky move.
To push through for a final play-off, Australia needs to win or salvage a goalless draw, which would put them ahead by virtue of the away goal they scored during the first leg.
If the Socceroos succeed, they will face the fourth-place team from the CONCACAF region to determine if they can qualify for the World Cup. The most likely opponents for the potential matchup are Honduras or Panama.
Josh Barton
Roar Pro
Mooy is either buggered from the oppressive heat in the previous game, or carrying a niggling injury. I can't imagine any other reason for Ange to want to bench our best player. Though Leckie at wing back again is a massive risk - he clearly showed he is much better when pushed up the pitch in the last game, Syria will be licking their lips looking at our right sided defense.