Jamie Maclaren ready to step up for the Socceroos in Thailand

Jamie Maclaren says he’s ready to spearhead the Socceroos’ attack in their World Cup qualifying clash against Thailand.

The Socceroos warm up for a Socceroos training session at SCG Stadium in Bangkok.

Jamie Maclaren says he’s ready and willing to spearhead the Socceroos’ attack in next week’s World Cup qualifying match against Thailand.

Injuries to Australia’s leading strikers have given Maclaren the chance to make his competitive international debut earlier than even coach Ange Postecoglou would have expected.

A fortnight ago the Brisbane striker wasn’t even on the horizon for next Tuesday’s match in Bangkok, having been left out of Postecoglou’s extended 30-man squad. But a week later, with Tim Cahill being rested, Maclaren was the bolter in the final 23-man line-up, his strong A-League form the catalyst for his selection ahead of underdone Apo Giannou.

Now, with first-choice marksman Tomi Juric ruled out through a knee injury and Giannou recalled in his place, the 23-year-old looks likely to be thrust into Australia’s first XI.

“I’m ready, I’m full of confidence,” Maclaren said. “But we all have one objective and that’s to qualify for the World Cup, so whoever plays will do a job.

“I’m going to work hard all week and, hopefully, can contribute to this Socceroos squad.”

With goals in back-to-back games for the Roar, Maclaren has arrived in Bangkok on a high and has already started pushing himself hard at the team’s 10-day intensive training camp.

Although the 23-year-old is self-assured, he understands there’s far more at stake than when he made his Socceroos debut in May’s friendly against England.

“For my first camp, being a friendly game, it was still an amazing experience,” Maclaren said.

“But I know the difference between a friendly and a World Cup qualifier — it’s that little bit more intense.”

He expects the match to be equally intense having experienced Thailand first-hand at youth level for the Young Socceroos. “They’re a quick, sharp sort of team,” he said.

“But the quality we’ve got in the squad and the way we set up, if we get an early goal it’ll settle the tide and we’re possession-based, so hopefully we’ll win.”

Most of the team have arrived in the Thai capital, with only first-choice goalkeeper Mat Ryan, back-up Mark Birighitti and Giannou yet to turn up.

Juric had been in doubt since limping off the field eight minutes into his match for Swiss outfit FC Luzern on Sunday, with scans the following day confirming the extent of his knee injury.

Massimo Luongo (foot) and back-up keeper Mitch Langerak were also ruled out on Monday, providing Melbourne City midfielder Luke Brattan and Birighitti with solid chances to make an ­impression.

AAP