Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos’ Mark Milligan happy to back-up captain Mile Jedinak

HIS performance would normally ensure him an automatic starting place, but Mark Milligan doesn’t mind playing “second fiddle” to skipper Mile Jedinak.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 13: Mark Milligan of Australia celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during the 2015 Asian Cup match between Oman and Australia at ANZ Stadium on January 13, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

HIS performance would normally ensure him an automatic starting place, but Mark Milligan won’t mind if forced to play “second fiddle” to skipper Mile Jedinak when Australia face South Korea in Brisbane on Saturday to decide Asian Cup Group A supremacy.

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Mark Milligan was outstanding in Mile Jedinak’s absence.

Standing in for the injured Jedinak in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Oman, Milligan ensured the Socceroos captain was not missed with a commanding display at the base of Australia’s midfield and scored his side’s third goal from the penalty spot.

But though coach Ange Postecoglou has cautioned against the assumption that Jedinak would recover from his swollen ankle by Saturday, Milligan said none of the players had an inkling of what their involvement might be.

And that’s fine with Milligan, despite the probability that a Jedinak recovery would likely to lead to another tournament of frustration for the Melbourne Victory star.

Milligan, 29, has been to three World Cup finals tournaments, but played in just one match, and was not part of Australia’s squad that made the 2011 Asian Cup final.

“There have been times over the last 10 years where it’s been difficult to get into the national team, or to get a run,” he said.

“(But) I’m just happy to be here and help the team as much as possible when called upon … I don’t mind playing second fiddle to the captain.

“The way I am at the moment, the age I’m at or where I’m at in my headspace, being involved for such a long time, I truly see this as a real opportunity to be successful, to go on and win some silverware.

“The important thing for me is that we continue to improve and we go a long way in this tournament.”

Milligan said Postecoglou liked to keep players on their toes when it came to selection.

“I don’t think anyone has any idea of what’s going to be happening on Saturday. What I do know is that we’ll be going to recover, prepare as if we’re playing, then whichever 11 steps out on Saturday I’m sure will do the job,” he said.

“(The uncertainty) is good because we have a good bunch of boys and that helps. When everyone takes it in a positive way it just brings out the competitive nature in everyone. The boys are responding very well to it.

“It’s something we’ve being preparing for the last six months, making sure everyone understood their roles in the team. and how we want to play, so when players come in, it’s a smooth transition.

“It felt that way and importantly at training the day before it felt that way. Not only the boys that started but those who came on during the game were fantastic as well.

“We’re always on about whether you’re starting or coming off the bench, it could be your chance to change a match.

“I think we have a really good work ethic at the moment and we want to keep improving. We want more information and we want to get better.”

Milligan stepped up to take the penalty against Oman after it was awarded controversially - a split second before he had driven a loose ball into the net.

“I don’t score many in open play but we’d discussed it beforehand so at least I knew I’d have another chance (from the penalty spot),” he said.

“To be able to help out and get on the scoresheet just before half-time was good timing.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos’ Mark Milligan happy to back-up captain Mile Jedinak