Thomas set for Socceroos call-up
MITCH Langerak’s shock retirement from international football has all but sealed ex-Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas a spot in the Socceroos’ squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait.
Langerak, in fine form with Japanese club Nagoya Grampus, announced on Wednesday he was quitting the Socceroos for family reasons despite being just 32.
The Queensland-born gloveman was certain to receive game time in Kuwait, where the Socceroos play against the host nation, Chinese Taipei, Nepal and Jordan between June 3 and June 15.
Langerak may have even deposed Mat Ryan as first-choice keeper due to Ryan’s lack of game time at English Premier League club Arsenal.
But with Langerak gone, and four goalkeepers likely to be named in a Socceroos squad that could total 34, custodian spots are up for grabs.
Even if Langerak had been available, uncapped 29-year-old Thomas was already in strong contention to be named such has been his form for Danish Super League club SønderjyskE, which he joined last year from the Victory.