Jedinak gets more pitch time before Honduras

FOR the first time since April, Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak has managed two matches in a week, returning to action for club side Aston Villa.

Jedinak made another substitute appearance as Villa earned a 2-0 away win over Preston North End in England’s second-tier Championship. Ange Postecoglou’s crucial midfield man came on in the 67th minute, helping to seal a result that lifts Villa to fifth in the standings.

But more importantly for Australian fans, it shows Jedinak’s preparedness to take the field in the Socceroos’ World Cup playoff with Honduras. He has missed Australia’s past eight fixtures after playing the pivotal role of midfield anchor.

The 33-yer-old played through the pain of a groin injury last season, but has been stripped back of playing responsibilities this term after being ruled out of Australia’s Confederations Cup campaign.

He will have one further chance to tune up for next Friday’s clash with Honduras on the weekend, when Villa hosts Sheffield Wednesday.

Postecoglou’s squad will then begin to assemble in San Pedro Sula for the do-ordie fixture with the Central Americans.

Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones was also in action yesterday, keeping goal in Feyenoord’s 3-1 European Champions League loss to Ukraine’s Shaktar Donetsk.