Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic part of Pim Verbeek’s World Cup plans
Author: Bradley Green Courtesy: Geelong Advertiser
SOCCEROOS coach Pim Verbeek said Geelong youngster Matthew Spiranovic is in the running to fill the central defender’s position along side captain Lucas Neill in the side’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Spiranovic was yesterday named in a 30-man Socceroos squad for the matches against Qatar (Doha, June 7), Bahrain (Sydney, June 10) and Japan (MCG, June 17).
Australia only needs one point to secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.
The German-based Spiranovic will fly to Dubai next week to join the rest of the squad for a training camp.
Verbeek said Spiranovic, 20, had completely recovered from a serious ankle injury he suffered in an awkward training tackle last November – just days before he was to fly to Bahrain for an earlier World Cup qualifier – and was eager to be part of the squad.
“I flew to Germany last Sunday and saw him play in the (FC Nuremberg) reserves team and he’s 100 per cent fit,” Verbeek told The Geelong Advertiser from The Netherlands last night.
“He’s had a long break and he looks very fit and sharp and he said he’s had enough of a holiday with his injury and he’s wants to be a part of the Socceroos squad.
“I think it’s a great experience for players of that age to be in the group.”
Spiranovic made his Socceroos’ debut in a friendly against Ghana in May before playing China in a June dead-rubber World Cup qualifier.
The 193cm stopper also played all three games in the Olyroos’ Beijing Olympics campaign.
Verbeek said Spiranovic was among a number of players he had in mind for the central defenders position.
“I have some ideas, but in football, two weeks before the game, I have to wait until the final day to know exactly,” Verbeek said.
Spiranovic is also a nominee for the inaugural Harry Kewell Medal as Australia’s top under-23 player.
Verbeek said if Australia secures a place in next year’s World Cup, the next 12 months would be important for players like Spiranovic.
“I like to give young players the opportunity to train with the big boys, so they can learn from them and also show themselves,” Verbeek said.
“In the next year, a lot can happen and then they have to be ready. So at this time of the year it’s better for them to be part of this selection rather than sitting on the beach.”
