Socceroos coach brings new strikers into play

FOOTBALL: Socceroos coach Graham Arnold looks set to unleash a new-look attack in this month’s friendly against South Korea, with Jamie Maclaren and Martin Boyle bound for Brisbane as part of a 23-man squad.

The pair, both based at Scottish club Hibernian with veteran Mark Milligan, are eye-catching inclusions for the Asian Cup final rematch on November 17.

There was no room in the 23 for red-hot Adelaide United forward Craig Goodwin, who was named instead as one of four train-on players to come into contention for the second friendly of the international window – Tim Cahill’s farewell match on November 20 against Lebanon in Sydney.

Maclaren has long been touted as a national team striker after impressive A-League campaigns with Brisbane Roar and should get his chance on his old home ground, having

recovered from a back injury.

By contrast, Boyle, a youth international for Scotland, is poised to debut on his first visit to Australia, having been lured by Arnold to represent the green and gold.

Japan-based, breakout striker Andrew Nabbout also returns to the fold after recovering from his World Cup shoulder dislocation.

“It’s a squad that was pretty hard to pick ... the pool is definitely getting deeper and deeper,” Arnold said.

“With limited opportunities and matches to prepare for next year’s AFC Asian Cup it is important that we make the most of every day that we have together.”

After playing in the 4-0 win over Kuwait last month, Brad Jones, Denis Genreau and Apostolos Giannou have missed call-ups, while Daniel Arzani (knee) and Kenny Dougall (ankle) are sidelined.

— Ben McKay