Defender Matt Jurman in frame for Socceroos call-up against Syria
KOREAN-based defender Matt Jurman is in contention for a shock World Cup qualifying start in his debut Socceroos camp.
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KOREAN-based defender Matt Jurman is in contention for a shock World Cup qualifying start in his debut Socceroos camp.
The suspension of Bristol City captain Bailey Wright leaves the defence threadbare, with World Cup and Asian Cup defender Matthew Spiranovic omitted.
Trent Sainsbury, who continues to be nursed through groin issues, and Milos Degenek are the only other recognised stoppers, leaving Mark Milligan in strong contention to play in defence for tomorrow’s night’s first leg against Syria.
Ange Postecoglou has been reluctant to throw debutants into the deep end in official games and they don’t get bigger than do-or-die qualifiers.
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Jurman, 27, would adopt the same role he plays for Suwon Samsung Bluewings - on the left side of a back three.
“I’m here so I’ve got to be in that mindset that Ange might pick me. I’m starting to really realise that this could happen on Thursday and if it does, I’ll be ready,’’ Jurman said.
“I think it’s been a blessing in disguise that my club actually plays with a back three. It’s helped me to learn how to play in that system.
“If I’m picked to play I’ll have that experience behind me. It’s a different system to what I’ve played before in Sydney with Arnie, but once you get games under your belt it makes it easier.
“It’s a dream to play for the Socceroos and get a call-up at this stage of my career. It’s really exciting,
“It’s difficult to say if I would have got picked staying in Sydney but I made the move (last January) knowing my team was going to win the competition that year and it’s probably paid off in the end.”
Jurman was signed by Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar in 2011 before flourishing at Sydney FC and the Socceroos boss admitted he was a strong contender.
“He’s a chance. Matt was one we really wanted to bring in last camp, but looking at the way the games were going to (unfold) I felt we just needed more attacking options in the squad,’’ Postecoglou said.
“His form’s been good in Korea. We’re always looking at the competition they’re playing, their form and where their club sits.
“He‘s doing well for a club that’s going well. He plays in a back three, he’s presented himself well, he had a good game on the weekend and he’s certainly in line for an opportunity.’’
Originally published as Defender Matt Jurman in frame for Socceroos call-up against Syria