Socceroos stalwart Mark Milligan keen to play key role in Graham Arnold’s new-look team

MORE than a dozen years after his first entry to the national team, Socceroos stalwart Mark Milligan isn’t about to give it away.

Socceroos veteran Mark Milligan has been re-energised to play on under new coach Graham Arnold. Picture: AAP

• Boyle alive to Socceroos possibilities

MORE than a dozen years after his first entry to the national team, Socceroos stalwart Mark Milligan isn’t about to give it away.

Milligan wants to play a key role in Graham Arnold’s new look Socceroos, after spending weeks post the World Cup considering his international future.

One of the most senior figures in the camp now, Milligan is likely to move into the top 10 of most-capped Socceroos during January’s Asian Cup, though his service to the team has not always garnered the same fanfare as others.

Milligan hinted strongly at retiring after the World Cup, but said he had been re-energised by the first training camp under Arnold last month in Turkey.

Socceroos veteran Mark Milligan has been re-energised to play on under new coach Graham Arnold. Picture: AAP

“I had a bit of time to reflect, and made the decision that I’d love to continue and help this group become even more successful,” Milligan said ahead of Tuesday’s friendly with Kuwait.

“It was more (the camp in) Turkey than anything – I wanted to make sure I had something left to give to the team, and what Arnie and his staff are trying to do is exciting.

“I like the direction we’re heading in, there’s a mix of youth and experience, and we can become more consistent.

“We’ll be going into every match to win, looking to get on the front foot, and that will suit the kind of players we have.”

Though the lure of defending the Asian Cup is a strong short-term incentive, Milligan said he was keen to look beyond that and into the start of qualifying for the next World Cup.

“I’m not saying no to anything,” he said. “One day my body will tell me (it’s time), but I’ll keep striving to do better.

“Arnie has spoken to a few of us about improving the culture in the team – I’m one of the senior players now, and I’m happy to take on a leadership role of some sort.”

Milligan’s form has been bolstered by an impressive start to his time at Scottish side Hibernian, having finally – at 33 – secured the move to Europe he has long coveted.

“I got thrown into the deep end a bit, it’s hard to come straight in when you haven’t had a good pre-season,” he said.

“The camp in Turkey helped in terms of fitness, and it’s gone well at Hibs so far. Working with (coach) Neil Lennon has been wonderful and I’ve enjoyed it but it’s early days – we’ve got Celtic, Rangers and Hearts on the bounce when I go back.”

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Originally published as Socceroos stalwart Mark Milligan keen to play key role in Graham Arnold’s new-look team