Skipper’s skill will drive Roos
SOCCEROOS coach Ange Postecoglou is banking on the imposing figure of returning skipper Mile Jedinak to provide the necessary resolve Australia needs to emerge unscathed from the daunting Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano tomorrow.
Jedinak’s presence, and the potential involvement of magic man Tim Cahill despite an ankle injury, is the tonic the Socceroos need to start their two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff against Honduras on the right note.
Stalwart Cahill remains high on Postecoglou’s selection radar as he continues to increase his training workload.
Postecoglou took Australia’s latest session behind closed doors after 15 minutes in San Pedro Sula as tactical preparations stepped up for the first-leg battle in front of a 40,000-strong Honduran crowd that will do all they can to provide an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.
The experience of both Jedinak and Cahill, who hurt his ankle in Melbourne City’s 1-0 loss to Sydney FC last Friday, will be crucial to the Socceroos’ hopes of returning to Sydney in a strong position for Wednesday night’s second leg.
Postecoglou stressed Cahill would not have made the long trip to Honduras if he was no chance of playing some type of role on Saturday.
“At the moment, medicos are telling me that he’s going fine and he’s a chance …. If he wasn’t a chance then he wouldn’t have been here.”
Jedinak’s return from a groin injury that has sidelined him from Socceroos duty since June is timely considering the suspension from the first leg of fellow midfielder Mark Milligan.