Jackson Irvine and Chris Ikonomides pushing for Socceroos start against Palestine
After a disinterested display from Tom Rogic, Socceroos midfielders Jackson Irvine and Chris Ikonomides are pushing for a start in Australia’s second group outing against Palestine.
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Jackson Irvine and Chris Ikonomidis might just be the men to unlock a pesky Palestine defence.
Irvine added much-needed spark to a stagnating Socceroos outfit when he came on late in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Jordan.
The midfielder has been thriving for Hull City, even scoring a brace in his last pre-Asian Cup club hit-out.
And if Graham Arnold opts for changes, particularly after a disinterested display from Tom Rogic, he could be pushing for a start in Australia’s second group outing against world No.99 Palestine.
Irvine watched the opening 73 minutes from the bench, as his side held onto the ball and grappled unsuccessfully with a staunch Jordanian resistance.
His energy off the bench, along with that of fellow substitutes Ikonomidis and Rhyan Grant, helped ignite a late period of promise that yielded numerous Australian chances.
Among them, Irvine nearly scored at the death off the rebound to Ikonomidis’ repelled shot, only for Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi to make a second superb save.
“I think I offer something different in that way,” Irvine said.
“But any player who comes onto the pitch as a substitute, that’s your job to lift the team and bring that freshness and energy.
“That’s a side of the game that’s always been one of my strengths. That’s what I tried to do when I came on.”
The untimely injury to his friend Aaron Mooy has opened the door for Irvine to make his mark at this tournament.
With 26 caps, his experience is creeping up, and his versatility means coach Graham Arnold has the option of slotting him into a number of midfield roles.
Same goes for Ikonomidis, on fire at Perth Glory with six goals and two assists from nine games.
“I felt I added energy,” Ikonomidis said.
“That was my mission ... fresh legs and I tried to give as much energy and a bit of attacking flair there. I know what’s expected to play at this level.
“Confidence plays a big part in football and coming off a season where I’ve scored six goals or whatever, it definitely gives you that added confidence to play in these kind of matches.”
Arnold may be forced into at least a couple of changes against Palestine.
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