Mile Jedinak may not be pretty, but he’s pretty valuable for Socceroos

Mile Jedinak probably attracts more attention for his imposing figure, wild beard and steely look than his ability as a pure footballer.

Mile Jedinak,. centre, performs a training drill with teammates at Francisco Morazan stadium in San Pedro Sula yesterday.

As someone who plies his trade in The Championship in England, Mile Jedinak probably attracts more attention for his imposing figure, wild beard and steely look than his ability as a pure footballer.

The Socceroos captain would be the first to admit he is the antithesis of the graceful, free-flowing, silken-touched, megastars of the Premier League and the other glamorous leagues in Europe.

But that’s fine for there has never been any self-indulgence or any pretence with Jedinak, who has had to defy the critics and the doubters for much of his football career to get to where he is today.

While the 33-year-old Aston Villa midfielder is aware of his limitations in some areas of the game, there can be no doubting the importance of the other aspects of his arsenal when it comes to playing for his country.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou understands better than most what Jedinak brings to the table for the Socceroos. It is why he is prepared to take an almighty gamble by playing him in the first-leg intercontinental World Cup qualifier against Honduras in San Pedro Sula this morning.

With Mark Milligan suspended and Tim Cahill touch and go as to whether he plays because of his ankle injury, Postecoglou is bereft of natural leaders on the field.

As one of the most experienced payers in the squad, Jedinak, along with Cahill, will be needed on and off the field.

Certainly, his importance to the national team set-up cannot be understated. Jedinak is not the type who allows himself to get too close to people and doesn’t offer a smile readily. He simply goes about his job with a minimum of fuss, bringing calmness and commitment, determination and doggedness in times of need.

Former Socceroo Brett Holman, now playing with Brisbane Roar, probably summed it up best recently when he said of Jedinak: “With Mark Milligan out, I’d be putting Mile in from the start in the first leg and saying to him to go all guns blazing, and if you miss the second leg, then so be it.

“We need him in Honduras because the first leg is so crucial. If we can get out of there with some type of result, or even an away goal, it is going to be so important.

“Definitely throw him straight in. We need somebody because there are not too many leaders out there.”

The risk for Postecoglou is that Jedinak has played a total of just 98 minutes of football in the past 61 days — 53 minutes since October 29 by the time the game against Honduras comes around — after having issues with his groin.

It was the same injury that had troubled him for some time during the Asian qualifiers but one he battled through, which shows just how tough he is and how much it means for him to play for Australia.

The risk, however, is offset by the fact Jedinak is going to be needed in the middle of the park, where he does his best work. His game is uncomplicated — organising the midfield, going in hard in the tackle and winning possession, then getting the ball as quickly as possible to his danger men.

The seething cauldron of hate the Australians will face in San Pedro Sula will be no place for the doubters or the faint-hearted. With so much at stake, the Socceroos will need to confront the demons and be fearless. If you’re not ready to go through hell and the pain barrier, mentally and physically, then there is no place for you in the team next to Mile Jedinak.