KRUSE TO LEAD WAY ON SUNCORP RETURN
AUSTRALIA v SOUTH KOREA Tonight, 7.50pm, Suncorp Stadium
ROBBIE Kruse returns to Suncorp Stadium tonight intent on adding to his fond memories of his former home ground.
Despite being the last player to arrive in Socceroos camp after landing in Brisbane from Germany on Wednesday, the former Brisbane Roar prodigy is set to start against South Korea.
“It’s a really big time for me,” Kruse said. “It’s only the second time I’ve come back to play in my home city. To be able to play hopefully from the beginning in front of friends and family is another massive honour for me.”
Coach Graham Arnold was yesterday yet to settle on his starting team or skipper.
However, Arnold said 30year-old Kruse, who has been capped 68 times in a Socceroos career dating to 2011, was a chance to be captain.
“Robbie is part of the leadership group that has really taken a hands-on approach,” he said.
“Mark Milligan did an outstanding job (as captain) in Dubai and in Kuwait, as Mark has done a lot in the background with the cultural side of things. We’ll wait and see what happens over the next 24 hours, but I’ll keep that one open.
Kruse will relish the chance to play at Suncorp Stadium. It was there where he scored on his A-League debut for Roar as a 19-year-old in October 2007.
“There were some good memories,” he said. “I made a lot of friends. The club helped develop me into starting my pathway in my career, (and) really gave me the opportunity. I’m very grateful for that.
“I’m really looking forward to the game and getting a positive result. Hopefully everyone turns out to support us.”
A crowd of more than 35,000 is expected to watch the Socceroos play at Suncorp Stadium for the first time since January 2015.
Kruse tipped the team to turn it on for the fans.
“I arrived late, but the vibe has been excellent,” he said.
“We’ve generally had a good atmosphere among the playing group, but it’s really been amplified since the new coaching staff has come in.
“Every time we put on the jersey it’s the biggest honour, but you have to be able to enjoy the moment also.”