Robbie Kruse club situation: Socceroos winger admits game time is a must

SOME have claimed to be running out of patience with Robbie Kruse, and the Socceroos winger has spoken out about how he plans to turn things around for club and country

Robbie Kruse of the Socceroos looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Thailand.

SOCCEROOS winger Robbie Kruse will make his club future a priority after feeling the negative effects of next to no game time for Bayer Leverkusen.

Kruse is yet to play a minute in the Bundesliga this season, which was obvious as he struggled through 90 minutes in Australia’s uninspiring 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw with lowly Thailand.

The 28-year-old is contracted until June next year, but conceded he will probably need to look for a move in the January transfer window if he is a chance of playing in the Confederations Cup.

PODCAST: After the Socceroos’ performance in Thailand, Adam Peacock, Michael Cockerill, Daniel Garb and David Weiner dissect the 2-2 draw, before discussing the big issues in the A-League as well.

“I know I need to sort my club future out in January because I need to be playing regularly, wherever that may be,” Kruse said.

“I can feel in myself just a few per cent not in the rhythm I used to be in when I was playing regularly before my injury.

“Heading into the Confederations Cup, it’s vital for me to be playing at my club.”

Kruse was not the only starter in Tuesday night’s match lacking game time. Valencia goalkeeper Mat Ryan hasn’t played in the La Liga since August while left-back Brad Smith is yet to leave Bournemouth’s bench in the English Premier League.

A recent injury to Milos Degenek also saw the defender ruled out for a period for German second-tier outfit 1860 Munich.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou admitted the situation was less than ideal. “It would certainly help more if they were playing regular football,” Postecoglou said.

“I can’t influence that apart from selection, and at the end of the day the players know the position they’re in, and we need our players playing regular football.”

Originally published as Robbie Kruse club situation: Socceroos winger admits game time is a must