Arnie ready to pull selection trigger
IMPRESSED by the improved standard of this season’s A-League, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has vowed to give Australiabased players chances to shine in upcoming friendly internationals against South Korea and Lebanon.
The Socceroos’ 2019 Asian Cup preparations will step up a notch when they host the South Koreans at Suncorp Stadium on November 17, and Lebanon three days later in Sydney.
Arnold said he had the pleasant selection headache of trying to reduce a shortlist of 38 players to 23 for the two matches.
That 38 includes A-League talent, which is potentially good news for the likes of Adelaide United FFA Cup hero Craig Goodwin, Brisbane Roar striker Adam Taggart, who last played for the Socceroos at the 2014 World Cup, and Sydney FC midfielder Josh Brillante, an unlucky omission from Australia’s 2018 World Cup squad.
And with Arnold promising to field different starting teams in the two matches, ALeague stars have a genuine to force their way into selection calculations for January’s Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. COACH GRAHAM ARNOLD
“A few of the A-League boys are now really in contention,” Arnold said.
“Before our Turkey camp in September the A-League wasn’t playing (and) for the October camp the A-League wasn’t playing, but it’s started now and you can see some of the A-League boys coming into form.
“I’m watching them very closely. I know what a lot of the A-League players can do.”
Arnold was recently in the Netherlands to watch some matches and had no doubt Australia’s national competition was superior.
“I’ve just been to Holland to see some games and I’d say that A-League level is better. The standard here is getting better and better ¬ if you play well and perform well then you’ll definitely be selected.
“The A-League has started off fantastically this year – the games have been very good.”
And that’s not forgetting Tuesday night’s memorable FFA Cup final, in which attacking weapon Goodwin scored two crackers to inspire the Reds to a 2-1 win over Sydney FC.
“Craig is in the same position as a lot of the other Australians playing in the ALeague.
“Everyone has an opportunity and if you perform at that level.
“No matter where play, if you perform, I look at you.”
I’M WATCHING THEM VERY CLOSELY. I KNOW WHAT A LOT OF THE ALEAGUE PLAYERS CAN DO
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