Winger’s ‘undeniable quality’ crucial for Socceroos’ turnaround, Velupillay stays in Melbourne

The Socceroos’ will be counting on winger Craig Goodwin’s impact to turn the tables against Bahrain as he returns from suspension, while Nishan Velupillay tends to an ankle injury.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 12: Craig Goodwin of the Socceroos controls the ball during a Socceroos training session at Lakeside Stadium on November 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The “undeniable quality” of Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin looms as being a key factor in Australia’s bid to turn the tables on Bahrain in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier in Riffa.

Bahrain’s shock 1-0 win over the Australians on the Gold Coast in September set the tone for what has been a difficult AFC third-round World Cup qualifying journey for the Socceroos.

While Australia has recovered to still be on track for a top-two Group C berth, which brings with it guaranteed qualification for the 2026 World Cup, another loss to the Bahrainis on Wednesday morning (AEDT) would be a big blow.

Goodwin’s influence in the contest could be crucial, with the Socceroos having missed the former Adelaide United skipper last Thursday night, when suspension resulted in him being unavailable for the 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

Craig Goodwin of the Socceroos controls the ball during a Socceroos training session at Lakeside Stadium on November 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“His quality is undeniable,” Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine said of Goodwin.

‘”He offers so much. He has a strong mentality, he’s a really popular guy among the group, his work rate and that ability to find that end product in key moments is why he’s been such an important player for us over the last couple of years.

“Set-piece moments, and in open play, he’s capable of delivering at the right time, so no doubt he’ll have a big role to play for us (on Wednesday morning).”

While Goodwin is set to return, another attacking weapon, in-form Melbourne Victory star Nishan Velupillay, will take no part in the match after suffering an ankle injury in last week’s stalemate.

Velupillay did not travel with the rest of the squad to Riffa, instead staying in Melbourne for treatment.

“We’re gutted for Nish. He’s been a fresh of fresh air since he came into the squad,” Irvine said.

Nishan Velupillay has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“He’s been so positive, his performances have been excellent, so it’s a real shame.

“It’s really disappointing for him, but hopefully it’s not a bad one and he can get himself back on the pitch for his club and keep his levels high because I’ve got no doubt he’s going to have a role to play over the next fair few months in this team as well.”

The Socceroos are one of three teams, the others being Saudi Arabia and China, who are seven points adrift of runaway group leaders Japan.

Bahrain is a further point back in what is an intense battle for second spot in the group, with each nation having five third-round qualifying games remaining.

“It’s probably a lot tighter than a lot of people were expecting,” said Irvine, who is set to captain the team again, with long-time skipper and goalkeeper Mat Ryan again expected to be on the bench.

“That shows how competitive the group is, but for us, when we feel like we haven’t reached anywhere near the potential of our performance levels and what we’re capable of, it’s great that we’re in a position where everything is still in our hands.

“We’ll just focus on our position and what we can control, and playing against another team that’s in amongst us in Bahrain shows how important every game can be.”

Originally published as Winger’s ‘undeniable quality’ crucial for Socceroos’ turnaround, Velupillay stays in Melbourne