27 flat out to make final cut

SOCCEROOS players are feeling the pinch of looming cuts ahead of tonight’s friendly against the Czech Republic.

Four players will be axed when the final 23-man squad for the World Cup is announced on Monday.

And the selection squeeze has corresponded with some willing training sessions under new coach Bert van Marwijk.

“The squad is going to be cut down and I think that shows in training,” defender Josh Risdon said.

“The intensity that everyone is willing to put in, it’s 110 per cent.

“And it will be massive for whoever gets a chance (against the Czechs) to put their best foot forward to make sure they’re there in Russia.”

Tonight’s friendly is the last chance to impress van Marwijk before he announces his final squad for the showpiece tournament in Russia.

The Dutchman has 27 players in a squad, training for a week in Turkey before travelling to Austria to play the Czechs.

His approach to the friendly will be intriguing: Will he try to settle a firstchoice outfit or rotate through much of his squad?

Will he give much-needed minutes to veteran Tim Cahill or perhaps unveil rising talent Daniel Arzani?

Van Marwijk’s preferred formation will also be scrutinised as he prepares the Socceroos for their World Cup opener against France on June 16 in Kazan.

And Western Sydney Wanderer Risdon is among those feeling the selection squeeze, joining the camp after his A-League season finished in April.

Risdon, who appears locked in a battle with Milos Degenek and Fran Karacic for a right-back role, said he was relishing the highintensity training camp.

“I’m feeling pretty good, it has helped a lot to get the boys in early,” he said.

“The weather and the training facilities really helps and the intensity of training has been really sharp.

“Everyone has been getting the best out of each other.”