Awer Mabil in line for starting debut for Socceroos against Lebanon

Awer Mabil, Australian soccer’s next big thing, says the young players need to stand up and take over from Tim Cahill.

Awer Mabil added spark to the Socceroos’ attack when he came on against South Korea at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Picture: AFP

He is the game’s next “big thing” and Australian fans will get to see much more of Awer Mabil when he makes his starting debut for the Socceroos against Lebanon in a friendly at ANZ Stadium tonight.

Sitting with coach Graham Arnold in front of the media yesterday, Mabil said he had prepared to do his best whether he starts or comes off the bench before Arnold chipped in with “tell your mum to come” in what was a clear indication the 23-year-old is ready.

Mabil is expected to be among five or six changes to the line-up that snatched a last gasp 1-1 draw with South Korea in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Tom Rogic (knee) and Robbie Kruse (groin) will be given the night off and Danny Vukovic could come in for Mat Ryan and Tomi Juric for Jamie Maclaren. Martin Boyle is also likely to make his starting debut.

But the spotlight will be on Mabil, a man who has battled many difficulties in life to get where he is now as a professional player with the national team and Danish club FC Midtjylland.

Born in a refugee camp in Kenya after his parents fled civil war in Sudan, he came to prominence with Adelaide United in the A-League between 2013 and 2015 before moving to Denmark.

Quick, skilful and exciting, he made his Socceroos debut against Kuwait last month, coming on as a substitute and scoring in the 4-0 win.

He was brought on as a sub in the match against the Koreans and his impact was impressive as he sparked the home team’s ­attack.

Mabil, who is now in line to win a spot in the squad for the Asian Cup finals in January, got his chance against Kuwait after the season-ending injury to teenage star Daniel Arzani, but he does not look on it as an opportunity.

Mabil said: “I don’t think of it like that, I think more of the positive side of it in that Australia should be excited with what to look forward to when Danny comes back. Me and Danny hopefully learn from the older boys and one day we can entertain ­Australian fans and win games for the Socceroos and that’s how I look at it.

“I don’t look at it that Danny is injured, now is my chance. No, Danny is my teammate and we use each other to get better so that’s how we are.”

Mabil says he is looking forward to being involved in Tim Cahill’s farewell match for the Socceroos.

Our greatest Socceroo will be given five or 10 minutes towards the end of the match as a fitting farewell.

“I grew up watching Tim Cahill and he has done amazing things for the Socceroos and the game,” Mabil said. “For us young players, it is something to look forward to and to try and learn from him.

“But at the same time, you have to make sure you are performing for your country when called up because Timmy going means someone has to try and take over in terms of what he has done.

“Of course, it is difficult to do that as he has set the pathway, so all we have to do is work hard and score and make goals for the fans to see and to win games.”

Meanwhile, Arnold said there were at least half a dozen places still in the balance for the final squad for the Asian Cup.

“There are spots up for grabs and that is why I selected an extended squad for the game against Kuwait and this one against Lebanon,” Arnold said.

“Performance is going to be the key. Tomorrow night is an opportunity to show me and the country they are hungry and want to go to the Asian Cup.”