Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk has selection calls to make ahead of Peru clash

SOCCEROOS coach Bert van Marwijk prepares for the biggest selection calls in his brief Australian tenure ahead of the crucial clash against Peru. David Davutovic analyses the spots up for grabs.

JACKSON Irvine admits World Cup games have “gone in a blink”, as tension mounts in camp Socceroos with positions open for tomorrow night’s must-win clash with Peru.

The Socceroos completed their first full session last night in Kazan after a day off on Saturday followed recovery sessions after the 1-1 draw with Denmark.

The session — the final one at their Kazan base before they depart for Sochi — was sharp and competitive, as Bert van Marwijk prepares for the biggest selection calls in his brief Australian tenure, headlined by the striking spots.

SCROLL DOWN FOR DAVID DAVUTOVIC’S ANALYSIS OF THE SOCCEROOS FIRST XI SPOTS UP FOR GRABS AGAINST PERU

The battle for striker is between: (L-R) Tomi Juric, Tim Cahill and Jamie Maclaren. Picture: Getty

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Tomi Juric is favoured to replace injured Andrew Nabbout (dislocated shoulder), with Tim Cahill on standby in what could be his last international.

Late call-up Jamie Maclaren is the other striking option, with the Socceroos needing a win to raise hopes of a Round of 16 berth.

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Daniel Arzani is being seriously considered for a starting Socceroos debut, while Jackson Irvine could be a smoky, as van Marwijk toys with which surprises to pull on the Peruvians, who can’t qualify for the knockout rounds.

Irvine, who’s made an impact in his two substitute appearances, is held in high regard by van Marwijk after the Hull City goalscoring midfielder netted the first goal on the Dutchman’s Socceroos watch last March.

The battle for 'number 10' is between (L-R) Jackson Irvine and Tom Rogic. Picture: Getty

“All the players want to be involved in this game in whatever capacity. I’ve tried to take my opportunities, make an impact and hopefully the manager sees me playing a part on Tuesday,’’ Irvine said.

“I’m ready to go if I get called up from the start or the subs bench. Or supporting the boys from the bench. We’re all ready to play our role. I’ve been fortunate to play (in) two games, I’d love to be involved again.

“It’s pretty crazy. Whirlwind. It’s over in a blink. The France game was like I blinked and the day was gone. The whole build up, everything just goes so fast.

“You have to enjoy the moment. You want your highest focus in terms of competitiveness, but also want to enjoy it. And remember the experience.

The battle for the left wing spot is between (L-R) Robbie Kruse and Daniel Arzani.

“It can be so difficult because it is literally over in a heartbeat. You need to sometimes step back and make sure you take in the whole vibe and experience.”

Irvine said the Socceroos must shut-out the prospect of a France-Denmark draw, which would eliminate Australia regardless, albeit the games are kicking off simultaneously.

“The other result will take care of itself. We can only focus on what’s in our control, and that’s winning the game,’’ he said.

“We’ve had chances to get something from the last two games and it’s going to take a similar level of performance, work ethic and produce even more quality to turn over another very good side.”

The Socceroos first XI spots up for grabs against Peru

DECISION 1: STRIKER Tomi Juric/Tim Cahill/Jamie Maclaren

Tomi Juric (Luzern, SWI)

Age: 26

Caps: 37 (8 goals)

2017-18 stats: 27 games, 7 goals

Russia 2018: 2 games (41 minutes)

TAB Odds

First goalscorer: $6

Anytime goalscorer: $2.70

Favourite to replace the injured Andrew Nabbout, having overcome knee injury to come on twice at this World Cup.

Tim Cahill (Free agent)

Age: 38

Caps: 106 (50)

2017-18 stats: 16 games (10 Millwall, 6 Melbourne City), 0 Goals

Russia 2018: 0 games

TAB Odds

First goalscorer: $6.50

Anytime goalscorer: $3

Hasn’t missed a session. Fit, focused and ready to make an impact from the start or off the bench.

Jamie Maclaren (Darmstadt, GER)

Age: 24

Caps: 6 (0)

2017-18 stats: 22 games (15 Hibernian, 7 Darmstadt), 8 goals (Hibs)

Russia 2018: 0 games

TAB Odds

First goalscorer: $6.50

Anytime goalscorer: $3

The 11th hour call-up puts him a long way back, but his runs in behind the defenders gives van Marwijk a different option.

DECISION 2: “NUMBER 10” — Tom Rogic/Jackson Irvine

Jackson Irvine (Hull City, ENG)

Age: 25

Caps: 21 (2)

2017-18 stats: 37 games (34 Hull, 3 Burton Albion), 3 goals (2 Hull, 1 Burton)

Russia 2018: 2 games, 26 minutes

TAB Odds

First goalscorer: $12

Anytime goalscorer: $5

Has made an impact in limited game time. Van Marwijk may consider starting with the physical Irvine, before bringing Rogic on.

Tom Rogic (Celtic, SCO)

Age: 25

Caps: 39 (7)

2017-18 stats: 23 games, 5 goals

Russia 2018: 2 games, 154 minutes

TAB Odds

First goalscorer: $9

Anytime goalscorer: $4

Capable of unlocking defences and got on the ball more against Denmark. Should get more space against Peru.

DECISION 3: LEFT WING — Robbie Kruse/Daniel Arzani

Robbie Kruse (Bochum, GER)

Age: 29

Caps: 66 (5)

2017-18 stats: 30 games, 7 goals

Russia 2018: 2 games, 152 minutes

TAB Odds

First goalscorer: $8.50

Anytime goalscorer: $3.80

Unfairly maligned. Indecision may have cost him a goal, but his ability to find himself in dangerous positions is underrated.

Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City)

Age: 19

Caps: 4 (1)

2017-18 stats: 18 games, 2 goals

Russia 2018: 2 games, 28 minutes

TAB Odds

First goalscorer: $10

Anytime goalscorer: $4.20

Made a huge impact against Denmark with his high-risk game and van Marwijk is considering him for a maiden start.

Originally published as Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk has selection calls to make ahead of Peru clash