Players on edge for Roos spots
Socceroos players remain “on edge” before the Asian Cup clash against Syria as competition for starting spots heats up.
The Australians, who beat India 2-0 India on Saturday, can guarantee themselves a place in the round of 16 with another win on Thursday night (AEDT) at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.
Memorable performances off the bench against India from attacking midfielder Riley McGree and left-sided utility Jordan Bos have them in contention to be elevated into Australia’s
starting XI.
And despite the Socceroos having kept a clean sheet in the win, the battle between Kye Rowles and Cameron Burgess to be Harry Souttar’s partner in the heart of Australia’s defence remains alive.
Ipswich Town centre-back Burgess started in the Socceroos’ 2-0 tournament warm-up win over Bahrain before being displaced by Scotland-based former Central Coast Mariners star Rowles for the game against India.
Despite starting in Australia’s tournament opener, Rowles isn’t taking selection against Syria for granted.
“If you have one bad day at training you are on edge because you are (thinking) ‘well, am I going to be in the team now?’ ” Rowles said.
“(It’s) just to be always on your toes … competition is never a bad thing. It’s a great thing to have for not only myself but for everyone involved.”
Midfielder Keanu Baccus is relishing the battle for spots in the Socceroos’ engine room.
He didn’t start against Bahrain because Belgium-based former Melbourne City star Aiden O’Neill got the nod.
However, Baccus was reinstated at O’Neill’s expense for the win over India.