World Cup qualifier: Socceroos star Mark Milligan could play in either midfield or defensive role in Japan

SOCCEROO Mark Milligan insists he is a midfielder and not a defender. But where Ange Postecoglou plans to play him in the World Cup qualifier against Japan is a mystery.

Mark Milligan presents Ange Postecoglou with plenty of options.

SOCCEROO Mark Milligan insists he is a midfielder and not a defender.

But the versatile veteran admits he has no idea where coach Ange Postecoglou plans to play him in Thursday’s all-important World Cup qualifier against Japan.

Milligan has played a defensive midfield role for the majority of his career.

RIVALS: Socceroos and Japan have plenty of history

BIG FAN: Liverpool legend likes what he sees in Socceroos

But, such is his class, he has also been able to pinch hit effortlessly across the defensive line.

Mark Milligan presents Ange Postecoglou with plenty of options.

With captain and fellow holding midfielder Mile Jedinak missing through injury, it seems logical that Milligan will feature there in Saitama next week.

But Jedinak was also missing for the Confederations Cup in June, during which Milligan produced a heroic display against South American giant Chile in a back three alongside Trent Sainsbury and Ryan McGowan.

“Generally, I am a midfielder that can fill in in defence,” Milligan said.

“Ange obviously used that in the last game.

“But I am a midfielder and first and foremost, that’s the position I’ll train in and work hard to continue to be.”

The Milligan decision is vital in terms of team balance for a game the Socceroos must at least draw to have any realistic chance of securing an automatic qualifying berth for Russia.

Just a point separates top three sides Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia.

But the Melbourne Victory star will fly to Tokyo on Saturday in the dark about what his role will be.

“To be honest I don’t think anyone does,” he said.

“Just using the Chile game as an example, there were a lot of players playing different roles to what they’re used to and they’re able to do that because that’s what we prepare for.

Mark Milligan led the Socceroos at the Confederations Cup with aplomb.

“We’re never exactly sure who’s going to play or what job you’re going to be needed for so you’re always, not so much on edge, but aware that there could be a change coming.”

True to form, Postecoglou has given little away about his plans for Milligan.

“I certainly don’t go into camps thinking what the starting line-up is going to be, knowing that they’ve all got to play on the weekend — we’ve got to see what condition they come in at,” Postecoglou said.

“Millsy gives us that option and flexibility to play him in a number of areas and a lot of that will be dictated by how the rest of the team makes up.

“We know that he’s very accomplished in the way that he plays a number of roles.”

Originally published as World Cup qualifier: Socceroos star Mark Milligan could play in either midfield or defensive role in Japan