Asian Cup 2015: Ange Postecoglou says Socceroos in ‘great condition’ for China test

COACH Ange Postecoglou is confident that the Socceroos can over-run China if Thursday night’s Asian Cup quarter-final runs into extra-time.

QLD_CM_SPORT_ROOSMAIN_21JAN15

ANGE Postecoglou is confident that the Socceroos can over-run China if Thursday night’s Asian Cup quarter-final runs into extra-time.

BILLIONAIRE THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND CHINA PUSH

HILL: ASIAN CUP EXPOSES FIFA’S 2022 MISTAKE

16 REASONS WE’VE LOVED ASIAN CUP SO FAR

DECISION TIME: WHO JOINS MILE IN MIDFIELD?

INDONESIA EMBRACES LUONGO FAIRYTALE RISE

‘EXTRA TIME, PENALTIES, WE’RE SET FOR ANYTHING’

The Socceroos coach hinted that sparingly used duo Mark Bresciano and Tommy Oar would figure more prominently in the knockout phase, with captain Mile Jedinak confirmed as a starter for the sudden-death Suncorp Stadium clash.

The Socceroos looked exhausted at the final whistle of last Saturday’s loss to South Korea in stifling Brisbane humidity.

But after incorporating a modified and personalised training regime since, Postecoglou revealed that the players were in pristine condition.

“We’ll be ready for anything, 90 minutes, extra time, penalties, whatever it is. There’s a game of football to be won,’’ Postecoglou said.

“(The fitness staff) are telling me that the boys are in great condition.

“We’ve finished strongly in all games, really strong. I’m more than confident if it goes to extra time that we’ve got fuel in the tank to do that.

“It’s not ideal because it takes more out of the players going forward, but physically they’ll be ready to do what’s required and whatever’s thrown at them.’’

Jedinak got through Wednesday night’s session unscathed and will return in midfield 13 days after rolling his ankle, most likely for Mark Milligan.

Otherwise there was conjecture over the left-back spot with Postecoglou contemplating replacing Aziz Behich with Jason Davidson.

Mark Bresciano could be in line for a start against China.

Korea-based Alex Wilkinson replaces suspended Matthew Spiranovic at stopper, with Bresciano and Oar competing with Matt McKay, James Troisi and Massimo Luongo for two midfield spots.

“They (Bresciano and Oar) are both very much in contention to contribute, whether that’s from the beginning or off the bench tomorrow,’’ Postecoglou said.

“Bresh has had a little bit of game time, Tommy less so, but that’s just the circumstances of how the games have panned out, but they’re an important part of our squad, both quality players.

“We’ve built depth in the last six months and it means that some very good players sometimes miss out, but we’re going to need them.

Mile Jedinak is back in the side for the China clash.

“It’s nice to know that we’ve got guys who haven’t been overloaded with too much work who we know are quality players who can contribute from now on.’’

Jedinak has missed the last two games after rolling his ankle against Kuwait, and said it was frustrating watching the last two games.

“Would I have been fit to play (if South Korea was sudden death)? I’m not 100 per cent sure. Possibly,’’ Jedinak said.

“Sitting out the last couple of games wasn’t easy. As captain you want to be involved, but I don’t think I’ll be affected by a lack of game time.’’

Tommy Oar could get the call on Thursday night.

Postecoglou was confident he had adequate defensive depth, despite Chris Herd (Achilles) being ruled out and Spiranovic suspended - Milligan is likely to slot in in defence or right-back in case of injury.

But he expected in-form China to attack.

“I’m not expecting China to play for penalties, they won three games and they’ll be feeling confident about their chances,’’ Postecoglou said.

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Ange Postecoglou says Socceroos in ‘great condition’ for China test