Arnold set to reward a thriving A- League

IMPRESSED by the improved standard of the 2018 season’s A- League, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has vowed to give Australia- based players a chance to shine in upcoming friendly internationals against South Korea and Lebanon.

Australia’s 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 embraced the 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 different starting teams in the two matches, A- League stars have a genuine chance to force their way into selection calculations for January’s Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

“A few of the A- League boys are now really in contention,” Arnold said.

“Before our Turkey camp in September, the A- League was not playing, 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.

“The standard here is getting better and better – if you play well and perform well, then you’ll definitely be selected.”