The Matildas coaching dramas has taken another turn with Ante Milicic reportedly set to lead the national side to the World Cup on an interim capacity.
Milicic is tipped to have beaten a number of candidates, a couple of whom are believed to be from overseas and have been interviewed by the FFA over the past fortnight.
The former Socceroos representative takes over from the Alen Stajcic, who is still exploring his legal options after being sacked last month.
Milicic, 44, has been a part of a FFA set-up for the past five years, including an assistant role to former coach Ange Postecoglou, as well as being in charge of the Olyroos.
He is coach of the national under-20s side.
It is unclear whether Milicic is responsible for selecting a preliminary 30-person squad for the upcoming Cup of Nations tournament, according to The Australian newspaper.
Sydney FC coach Ante Juric revealed on the eve of the W-League grand final that two of his uncapped players have already been told of their selections.
“There’s a couple of players in a 30-person squad – I don’t know if it’s official so I won’t say names – who haven’t been there before from Sydney FC,” Juric said on Friday.
“So it’s great for them and hopefully they can keep in the squad for the four nations. The girls know, I don’t think it’s official so I better be quiet.”
The Sky Blues already have eight players who’ve pulled on the green-and-gold, led by stars Caitlin Foord, Chloe Logarzo and Alanna Kennedy.
However another two loom as World Cup chances, with the Matildas to ramp up preparations with a three-game home tournament beginning in two weeks.
Kennedy mentioned unheralded teammate Elizabeth Ralston as one deserving of a call-up in a squad expected to be named next week.
“We’ve already got a handful of Matildas in the team. We’ve had a lot of girls who have had great seasons as well,” Kennedy said.
“Lizzie Rolston, who stands next to me every game, she’s a rock back there and she doesn’t get enough credit.
“She’s a huge part of the success that we have in this club. She’s been here for a long time. Players like her, seeing them hopefully get the reward is really nice.”
The Matildas open their tournament against New Zealand in Sydney on February 28 before facing South Korea in Brisbane and Argentina in Melbourne.
© AAP
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