Old mates to hook up for vital Cup camp

FORMER Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mat Ryan’s familiarity with new Socceroos coach Graham Arnold will be crucial as Australia again faces a race against time to be ready for a major tournament.

Ryan and his Socceroos teammate Trent Sainsbury were both part of the Arnold-coached Mariners team that won the 2013 A-League championship.

Both loom as vital components of the Socceroos’ defence of their Asian Cup title in January in the UAE.

Similar to their preparations for this year’s World Cup, the Socceroos have little time together under a new mentor.

Pre-World Cup it was Dutchman Bert van Marwijk, who last January was named as Ange Postecoglou successor.

Now it’s van Marwijk’s replacement Arnold, whose Asian Cup preparation plan includes a rematch of the 2015 final between Australia and South Korea on November 17 at Suncorp Stadium.

The South Korea side is set to include Newcastle United midfielder Ki Sung-yueng, who attended Daisy Hill-located school John Paul College.

“Much like our preparation for the World Cup – with the change of manager again now – we didn’t have much time together for a big tournament,” Ryan said.

“It’s the same situation now with ‘Arnie’ having taken over and the Asian Cup only a few months away.

“The camp in Australia is going to be vital in our preparation.”