Arnold set to name fresh Socceroos team

A SCOTLAND-BORN winger who is learning Australia’s national anthem is firming as part of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold’s fresh plans.

Martin Boyle is expected to set foot in Australia for the first time this weekend to link up with Australia’s national team.

Arnold will today announce a 23-man squad for friendlies against South Korea on November 17 and Lebanon three days later in Sydney.

The 25-year-old Boyle is a teammate of Socceroos Mark Milligan and Jamie Maclaren at Scottish club Hibernian.

Boyle, who qualifies for Australia through his Sydneyborn father Graeme, is tipped to be summoned along with another winger, Adelaide United’s Craig Goodwin.

With Daniel Arzani requiring a knee reconstruction, Boyle and Goodwin will get game time in the friendlies to press their claims to be selected for Australia’s Asian Cup defence in January.

Midfield linchpin Aaron Mooy and first-choice goal- keeper Mat Ryan will feature in the friendlies after injuries ruled them out against Kuwait.

Arnold will also appoint another temporary captain in the wake of Mile Jedinak’s retirement from international football.

The candidates are Trent Sainsbury, Mooy, Ryan, Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie.