Bruno Fornaroli’s fine form to be rewarded with a berth in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad

An A-League goal-machine who was born in Uruguay has forced his way into the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad.

Bruno Fornaroli is back in the Socceroos squad (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Veteran Melbourne Victory striker Bruno Fornaroli is set to be rewarded for his brilliant A-League form with selection in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad.

Fornaroli, 36, has mounted an irresistible case for selection with 12 goals in just eight A-League games this season.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold had been in two minds whether to select Fornaroli as he balances trying to win the Asian Cup with planning for the 20026 World Cup and its upcoming qualifiers.

However, with the Asian Football Confederation having this week given nations the option of choosing 26 players, rather than the usual 23, for the tournament which starts next month in Qatar, Arnold now has more flexibility with his selections.

Uruguay-born Fornaroli, a naturalised Australian who made two Socceroos appearances last year, is expected to be among three central attacking options in Arnold’s squad – the other two being Japan-based Mitch Duke and Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi – which will be announced on Friday.

Bruno Fornaroli playing for the Socceroos in 2022 r (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Fornaroli’s selection means there is no room for Melbourne City ace Jamie Maclaren who scored a hat-trick off the bench in Australia’s 7-0 thumping of Bangladesh last month at AAMI Park.

And despite Arnold having the option of naming three more players than the 23 he was originally planning for, it’s unlikely he will gamble on the fitness of Maclaren’s City teammate Mathew Leckie, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Apart from Fornaroli, the only other A-League outfield player expected to be named in the Socceroos’ squad is City left-back Aziz Behich.However, two A-League goalkeepers - Adelaide United’s Joe Gauci and Western Sydney Wanderers’ Lawrence Thomas – are tipped to be named among the squad three’s glovemen, along with captain Mat Ryan.

Still recovering from a fractured cheekbone, Netherlands-based Ryan is likely to wear a face mask during the tournament.Also expected to be named in the squad despite a recent injury is Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree.

Socceroos captain Mat Ryan injury. Pic: X

The 25-year-old former Adelaide United, Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets star hasn’t played since injuring his foot in Middlesborough’s 2-0 English Championship win over Cardiff City on October 3.However, in a positive update, McGree has resumed full training.

While the Socceroos have plenty of midfield depth, Massimo Luongo’s shock retirement from international football and Arnold being able to name a 26-man squad has aided McGree’s selection hopes.

The Socceroos start their Asian Cup campaign on January 13 against India at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, the same venue where their memorable 2022 World Cup journey came to an end with a 2-1 round-of-16 loss to eventual champions Argentina.