World Cup qualifier: Defensive uncertainty hands Matt Jurman great chance to play in Japan

MATT Jurman’s first Socceroos squad inclusion is well deserved, but the former Sydney FC man still faces a nervous wait to see if he actually gets on a plane to Tokyo.

Jurman joined Suwon Bluewings in January. Picture: Adam Taylor

MATT Jurman’s first inclusion in a Socceroos squad is well deserved, but the former Sydney FC man still faces a nervous wait to see if he actually gets on a plane to Tokyo.

KEEP THE FAITH: Ange sticks with status quo for qualifiers

Though it might seem perverse to call in a 27-year-old without a firm intention to include him in the final 23, to be named next week, Ange Postecoglou has no fewer than seven potential centreback options in his initial pool – reflecting injury and form concerns in various places.

The first and most obvious is Mile Jedinak, who has another week to continue his recovery from a long-standing groin problem. If he fails, or has any doubts at all, Mark Milligan is likely to be needed at the base of midfield.

Jurman swept the Sky Blues’ awards night in 2015/16.

Trent Sainsbury is another with question marks against his name, having not played – nor much trained – since the Confederations Cup.

In the past Sainsbury has presented well in camp with the Socceroos even without much game time, but he has been seen as touch and go for the past few weeks.

In that light Postecoglou welcomes back Matthew Spiranovic – for all that he is currently playing in the Chinese second division, which no one would pretend is a challenging standard, Spiranovic still can call on the experience of playing at a World Cup and winning the Asian Champions League.

Jurman does have one significant advantage in terms of making the final 23. Graham Arnold views him as the best left-footed Australian centreback, and Jurman is the only one of the seven centrebacks who doesn’t kick with his right foot out of preference..

Jurman joined Suwon Bluewings in January. Picture: Adam Taylor

In Postecoglou’s defensive structure, with no fullbacks and three across the middle, a genuine lefty is a major plus.

Against Japan the Socceroos defence will face potentially its toughest test of the qualifying campaign, so it’s no wonder so much thought is going into its composition.

Sainsbury and Milligan are the obvious choices for the role of sweeper, for all that Milligan craves the challenge of playing further forward.

If neither is in a position to be the spare man at the back, it makes Spiranovic’s inclusion all the more certain – quite possibly with Jurman to his left.

Originally published as World Cup qualifier: Defensive uncertainty hands Matt Jurman great chance to play in Japan