Socceroos v Syria: After a horror injury run and lack of game time, Robbie Kruse is finally ready to fire

A REVITALISED and match-sharpened Robbie Kruse looms as the Socceroos’ offensive x-factor for the World Cup playoffs against Syria.

Socceroos forward Robbie Kruse training in Malaysia ahead of Thursday’s World Cup play-off first leg against Syria.

A REVITALISED and match-sharpened Robbie Kruse looms as the Socceroos’ offensive x-factor for the World Cup playoffs against Syria.

Kruse, 28, has already notched 775 club minutes and three goals for German second-tier side Bochum this season, his best numbers since a stunning debut Bundesliga season of 2012-13.

While Kruse has unfairly become a whipping boy for a section of fans, a la Brett Holman pre-2010, injuries, limited minutes and contractual sagas have conspired against the graceful attacker.

A step back to Bundesliga 2, for the first time since his debut season in Europe, has brought games, goals and a smile back to Kruse’s face.

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“I feel great,’’ Kruse said after Wednesday’s training session in Melaka.

Socceroos forward Robbie Kruse training in Malaysia ahead of Thursday’s World Cup play-off first leg against Syria.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has never had the luxury of Kruse in full-flight, with an anterior cruciate ligament injury cruelly robbing him of a Brazil 2014 berth.

An underdone Kruse returned for the 2015 Asian Cup, before an ankle injury in the final left him sidelined for six more months.

Thereafter he struggled to break into a star-studded Bayer Leverkusen side that was competing for the German Bundesliga title, before he sensationally quit Chinese club Liaoning over unpaid wages.

Postecoglou has the option of playing Kruse, who hasn’t played as many consecutive club games since 2013, on the left where he plays for Bochum or in one of the two central attacking roles.

“Since I took over four years (ago) he’s never come into camp with regular game-time,’’ Postecoglou said.

Robbie Kruse has been in hot scoring form for Bochum in Germany.

“At Leverkusen he was training at a high level but wasn’t playing regularly. He’s had injuries, but we’ve continued to support him and select him.

“The move to China didn’t work out and that hampered his development but I’ve always rated Robbie highly and the one thing that was missing was regular game-time.

“Now he’s getting it in a good competition. For him, that’s a huge positive and he’s showing when he does play regularly, what he can bring and I’m sure he’ll bring that (to the Socceroos).’’

KRUSE’S GERMAN ROLLERCOASTER

SEASON CLUB STARTS (SUBS) GOALS MINUTES

2017-18 Bochum 9 3 775

2017 Liaoning (CHI) 4 0 360

2016-17 Bayer Leverkusen*^ 1(2) 0 94

2015-16 Bayer Leverkusen/Stuttgart*^ 2(17) 0 567

2014-15 Bayer Leverkusen*^ 1(6) 0 166

2013-14 Bayer Leverkusen*^ 6(15) 3 631

2012-13 Fortuna Dusseldorf* 32(1) 4 2841

2011-12 Fortuna Dusseldorf 2(10) 0 317

# Includes League and Cup appearances

^ Included UEFA Champions League and Europa League minutes

* Bundesliga top tier