Kruse may be Ange’s new secret weapon

A REVITALISED and matchhardened Robbie Kruse looms as the Socceroos’ offensive Xfactor for the World Cup playoffs against Syria.

Kruse has notched 775 club minutes and three goals for German second-tier team Bochum this season, his best numbers since a stunning debut Bundesliga season in 2012-13.

Injuries, limited minutes and contract sagas have previously conspired against him.

A step back to Bundesliga 2 has brought games, goals and a smile to Kruse’s face.

“I feel great,” he said after training in Malacca yesterday.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has never had the luxury of Kruse in full flight, with an anterior cruciate ligament injury robbing him of a Brazil 2014 berth.

Underdone Kruse returned for the 2015 Asian Cup, before an ankle injury in the final cost him six months. He struggled to break into a star-studded Bayer Leverkusen team competing for the Bundesliga title, before he quit Chinese club Liaoning over unpaid wages.

Postecoglou has the option of playing Kruse off the left, where he plays for Bochum, or in one of the two central attacking roles.

“Since I took over four years (ago) he’s never come into camp with regular game-time,” Postecoglou said.

“Now he’s getting it in a good competition. He’s showing when he does play regularly, what he can bring.”

The Socceroos have received a late boost with key Syrian defender, China-based Ahmad Al Salih (hamstring), ruled out of both legs.

Australia’s scenic route to Russia would break Uruguay’s 20-game qualifying record.

Wins over Syria and the fourth-placed CONCACAF team would make it 22 games.