Certainty like gold to Milligan

STILL scarred from his 2014 World Cup injury, Mark Milligan has revealed his delight that his Russia role is clear.

Milligan is a veteran of three World Cups but extraordinarily made just one appearance during the Socceroos’ 10 finals outings.

Picked as a youthful right- back in 2006, an emerging right- sided stopper in 2010 then a bona fide first XI midfielder in 2014, his versatility was a curse in Brazil, as a mid- tournament positional change flirtation cruelly ended his tournament after an impressive opening match against Chile.

While playing in midfield for most of 2018 qualifying, Milligan started his third straight game in central defence under Bert van Marwijk and starred in the 4- 0 win over Czech Republic.

A fatigued Milligan tore his hamstring two days before the Holland game after training at right- back and whipping in a series of crosses, having hitherto trained and played in mid- field alongside Mile Jedinak. It paved the way for Ryan McGowan – who whipped in the cross for Tim Cahill’s stunner – to start at right- back while Matt McKay came into midfield.

Milligan said continuity was crucial for his body and mind.

“It is very important. If you’re not in the right state mentally then those things do happen,’’ Milligan said.

“The biggest thing now, especially while you’re working so hard is – like I feel great, but if I’m not concentrated, not doing the right things, things can go wrong.

“Personally it was very difficult, getting injured the second day after the ( Chile) game at training. Physically that campaign – while the lead- up to Guus’ 2006 ( campaign) was extremely tough – we never backed off with the 2014 one. It was continuous.

“We played Chile and then had the next day travel, recovery then straight back into it.

“I was just doing some things in training I wouldn’t normally do in terms of runs and crosses.”