Socceroos reshuffle in wake of drubbing

DEFENDER Alex Susnjar looks set to be handed a starting debut against Colombia on Wednesday morning as the Socceroos’ defensive reshuffle continues.

Awaiting the Socceroos is a Falcao and James Rodriguezled Colombian attack, fresh off a 3-2 win away to Australia Group C rivals France.

The Socceroos will miss stoppers Trent Sainsbury (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland) and Matthew Jurman (Suwon Bluewings, Korea), who returned to their clubs yesterday as the remaining 24 players flew to London.

Sainsbury (groin) and Jurman (knee) were given the medical tick by the Socceroos’ physios and conditioning staff and trained fully for three days as they aimed to return to full fitness post surgery.

The pair will now focus on breaking into their respective clubs’ first XIs within the next fortnight, in a bid to attain crucial minutes ahead of Russia 2018, with coach Bert van Marwijk citing them as key cogs after the 4-1 drubbing.

Czech-based Susnjar, 22, was one of the Socceroos’ shining lights, cutting a composed and physical defensive figure unafraid of carrying the ball into midfield after replacing Bailey Wright on 52 minutes in his Socceroos debut.

Susnjar, whose only Australian games were at Under 23 level last January, followed van Marwijk’s instructions to play his game.

“I felt very good. I am a young player but I don’t hold that against me. I like to speak, I like to organise. Without communication it doesn’t work,” Susnjar said

“He (van Marwijk) told me to play my game.

“I was really happy to debut but not happy with the result. Disappointing loss, 4-1 is not good, but we’ve got to keep our heads up.”

Van Marwijk shuffled the defence around against Norway, with Mark Milligan moving to right-back and Milos Degenek going from left to right stopper.

It’s unclear what other changes he will make, though he stated his defensive dissatisfaction.