Tag: Heart of Midlothian Football Club

Aussie’s 13-month nightmare finally over; star’s ‘dream’ goal as Souttar still in exile: Roo Radar

The Asian Cup has ended and the Socceroos are back at their clubs – although for some of them, the January transfer window saw them secure major transfers.

Now, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold can turn his full focus to World Cup qualification, with the Aussies resuming their road to the 2026 tournament next month.

Here’s the situation for every Socceroo – and a couple of other guns who are knocking down the door for international selection.

This mega Roo Radar begins with Socceroos who featured in the Asian Cup squad sorted by position, before including a number of other notable names.

MORE COVERAGE

Wanderers boss slapped with massive ban for ‘derogatory’ referee rants

Mbappe drops $115m bombshell as looming call set to spark all-time transfer frenzy

Matildas lose World Cup hero Vine for Olympic qualifiers as gun receives maiden call-up

GOALKEEPERS

Mat Ryan

The Socceroos skipper recovered from a fractured cheekbone in time to play in all five of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup games and was a calming presence throughout.

With Ryan between the sticks the Socceroos conceded just three goals all tournament long, one of which was a penalty and another an unstoppable free-kick from South Korean star Son Heung-Min.

Ryan kept up his trend of clean sheets in his first game back for AZ Alkmaar as they drew 0-0 with Almere City.

Ryan needed to wear a face mask for some Asian Cup games after surgery on a fractured cheekbone.Source: Getty Images

Joe Gauci

Gauci travelled to Qatar as the clear back-up to Ryan but he did earn a start in the final warm-up match against Bahrain which the Socceroos won 2-0.

Despite not playing, Gauci generated plenty of headlines in Australian football after he completed a switch from Adelaide United to Premier League outfit Aston Villa for up to $2.5m

Emi Martinez, the latest recipient of the Yashin Troph for the best goalkeeper in the world, is Villa’s clear number one as Gauci will compete with Swedish veteran Robin Olsen for the back-up role.

Gauci has already been heavily involved at the Birmingham outfit and was a part of the warm-up drills prior to his new side’s fixture against Manchester United at Villa Park.

The 23-year-old has also been registered in Villa’s squad for the remainder of the Europa Conference League.

Could we see Gauci in the Premier League this season?Source: Getty Images

Lawrence Thomas

Although Thomas didn’t see a single minute of action for the Socceroos, he was thrust straight back into action for the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Thomas was included in the Wanderers’ extended squad for the fixture against Macarthur on February 4 but came on at halftime in place of Daniel Margush.

Unfortunately for Thomas, there was little he could do to prevent Valere Germain’s winner in the 93rd minute as Macarthur sealed a highly controversial 4-3 victory that sparked a furious rant from Wanderers boss Marko Rudan in his post-match press conference.

DEFENDERS

Nathaniel Atkinson

The 24-year-old right back made three Asian Cup appearances for the Socceroos, but faces a tough task to regain his place in the starting XI for Scottish side Heart of Midlothian. Hearts signed 20-year-old Jamaican talent Dexter Lembisika on loan from Premier League side Wolves in mid-January, and he’s impressed in six appearances since the move. Atkinson came off the bench to replace Lembisika in a Cup game on the weekend but will be desperate to earn his place back in the starting side.

Aziz Behich

33-year-old Behich sealed a massive loan move to Saudi club Al-Nassr – joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo – after playing every minute of the Socceroos’ five Asian Cup matches at left back. He debuted in an Asian Champions League clash, playing the full 90 minutes, in a promising sign he’ll be in the starting XI for the Saudi giants for the remainder of the season.

Behich in the yellow and blue of Al-Nassr.Source: Getty Images

Jordy Bos

The supremely talented 21-year-old locked down the left wing-back role at Belgian club Westerlo this season after joining from Melbourne City last July (for a fee that was at the time the Australian record). Since returning from the Asian Cup, where he made five appearances (three starts) and scored a goal off the bench against India, he’s immediately regained his starting spot at club level.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold prefers to use him as a left winger, but Bos has typically been used as a fullback by Westerlo who sit 11th in the Belgian Pro League.

Cameron Burgess

The Scottish-born 28-year-old is right back in English Championship team Ipswich Town’s starting XI after returning from the Asian Cup, where he started one game and came off the bench in the quarter-final defeat.

Ipswich sit fourth in the Championship with a game in hand as they chase promotion to the Premier League, and Burgess looks set to add to his 24 league appearances already this season – remarkably, he has never been substituted in those matches.

He plays alongside Aussie midfielder Massimo Luongo, who turned down an Asian Cup call-up and retired from international duty to focus on the club’s promotion push.

Thomas Deng

The 26-year-old didn’t get onto the field in the Asian Cup – and hasn’t played for the Socceroos since March last year – but he’ll be eagerly anticipating the start of the new J-League season next weekend. The versatile centre-back started most matches for Japanese top-flight club Albirex Niigata last season as they finished tenth, and he’ll hope to retain his role this time around.

Gethin Jones

The 28-year-old is back in the starting line-up at League One club Bolton Wanderers after three starts for the ‘Roos in Qatar – and he’s even worn the captain’s armband in both games since his return. And this week, the right-back scored his first league goal of the season with a looping set-piece header in a 2-1 win for the third-placed side. With games in hand, Bolton are well in contention for automatic promotion that would see Jones reach England’s second tier.

Lewis Miller

The 23-year-old right back played less than 50 minutes across two Asian Cup games, but he’s another Aussie to return straight to the starting line-up at club level. Miller made his 16th start of the Scottish Premiership season (plus one bench appearance) in Hibernian’s 2-1 defeat to heavyweights Celtic, then backed up on the weekend with another start in a cup win.

All up, he’s played 41 times for Hibs since joining in July 2022, and shows plenty of promise as a long-term Socceroos prospect despite struggling in the Asian Cup.

Kye Rowles

Rowles started every single league game for Hearts (in Scotland) before the Asian Cup, and came right back into the side in a cup win on the weekend. The 25-year-old was a standout in the Asian Cup, playing every minute in four of the five matches, and is contracted with Hearts until 2028 – showing just how much they value the cool, calm, and collected centre-back.

Harry Souttar

Souttar is in a dire position at his Championship club Leicester, with the 200cm centre-back in virtual exile. He’s played just four appearances (two starts) this season for a total of 188 minutes. A strong Asian Cup performance put him in the shop window in the January transfer window, with Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic both interested in a loan move – but a deal to join brother John at Rangers fell through on deadline day. Saudi side Al-Nassr were also interested.

Souttar has vowed to fight for minutes at Leicester, but is unlikely to feature unless a starting centre-back is injured.

“I know obviously to continue to be in the national team, I’ve got to be playing club football – but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes,” Souttar told AAP during the Asian Cup.

“He’s got to sort out his club career, he really does,” coach Graham Arnold told AAP. “This can’t go on forever.”

For now, Souttar will be waiting desperately for the season to end and the next transfer window to offer him a way out of his nightmare.

Souttar kept up his incredible scoring record by pitching in at the Asian Cup.Source: Getty Images

MIDFIELDERS

Keanu Baccus

After playing all five matches at the Asian Cup, Baccus returned to Scottish club St Mirren with a half-hour bench appearance before a 90-minute effort against Celtic in the Cup. He’s started most games this season – and come off the bench in the handful where he’s started from the pine – and looks a crucial player in St Mirren’s run home. 25-year-old Baccus is also off-contract at the end of the season, so the next few months will be crucial for his future.

Jackson Irvine

The midfield maestro is back at German second-tier club FC St Pauli, where he wears the captain’s armband – but missed out on playing on the weekend after being “quite sick” and having a “really bad week”. He’s back at training with the team now, who are three points clear at the top of the table despite suffering their first league loss since April 2023. 19-year-old Aljoscha Kemlein (on loan) has been excellent in filling in for Irvine in recent weeks, but the 30-year-old Aussie is nailed-on to get back into the starting team and push for promotion to Germany’s top flight in the next few months.

Irvine was devastated after Australia’s Asian Cup exit.Source: AFP

Riley McGree

McGree started six of the first ten Championship matches for Middlesbrough (and came off the bench in the other four) before suffering a foot injury that ruled him out for two months.

He returned for just a handful of bench appearances before jetting off to the Asian Cup, where he made two starts and three substitute showings. Those handy minutes put him in good stead upon his return to club football, where he came back with a bench appearance before playing the full 90 minutes yesterday – but at attacking midfield rather than his usual left wing role. That’s because Middlesbrough signed 23-year-old talent Finn Azaz from Championship rivals Plymouth Argyle in early January. He had seven goals and five assists before the move, and has nabbed a goal and an assist in five appearances for his new club since then. McGree has a tough battle on his hands to unseat Azaz, but could be

Connor Metcalfe

The 24-year-old has appeared in every match for the Socceroos since the start of 2023, and continued that run with three starts and two sub appearances at the Asian Cup. Since then, he’s returned to FC St Pauli alongside Irvine, and played 28 minutes off the bench upon his return. Overall, he’s made 21 appearances this season with 12 starts and nine substitution efforts – so will be looking to press his case for a locked-down starting berth in the final months of the season.

Aiden O’Neill

The defensive midfielder has been sensational for Belgian club Standard Liege this season, and took things to another level last weekend with a sensational goal in a 1-0 win over OH Leuven.

On the edge of the area, O’Neill chested the ball down before slamming a half-volley into the net, his first goal for the club after joining last July.

“To be honest, there is a bit of luck in this goal,” the Aussie told DH Les Sports+. “I was in a good position and I said to myself ‘why not take my chance?’.

“I had already dreamed of scoring a goal like that but, to succeed in doing it, especially in such an important match, is something else. It means a lot.

“I had already scored goals from outside the box but, yes, I can say that this one is probably the best of my career. And it brings three super important points for the team.”

O’Neill had started six-straight league matches before the Asian Cup and looks to be back in the first team.

Aussie returns from Asian Cup in style | 00:41

FORWARDS

Martin Boyle

Having missed the 2019 Asian Cup and the 2022 World Cup through injury, Boyle finally got to represent the Socceroos at an international tournament.

The 30-year-old winger even got his first tournament goals, scoring a penalty against Uzbekistan and one of Australia’s four against Indonesia.

Boyle has wasted little time in returning to form for club side Hibernian since returning, scoring once and assisting another in the club’s 3-1 win over Inverness CT in the fifth round of the Scottish FA Cup.

He also played the full match as a right winger in a 2-1 defeat to Celtic on February 7 as Hibernian remain in eighth in the Scottish Premiership.

Sammy Silvera

Since moving to Middlesbrough from the Central Coast Mariners last summer, Silvera has largely been used as an impact substitute, coming off the bench 13 times prior to the Asian Cup.

Silvera enjoyed a similar role for the Socceroos in Qatar whenever Arnold sought out a fresh injection of pace and trickery but struggled to find his groove.

The Aussie youngster has once again reprised his role as an impact sub upon returning to Middlesbrough, coming off the bench in Boro’s last three Championship fixtures against Sunderland, Bristol City — where he scored a 91st-minute consolation goal — and Preston North End.

With 15 game left in Middlesbrough’s season, Silvera will hope to earn some regular starts as he looks to prove he belongs at the Championship level.

Bruno Fornaroli

Fornaroli entered the Asian Cup on the back of some scintillating form for Melbourne Victory, scoring 13 goals in 10 games.

A first start in Qatar for Fornaroli didn’t arrive until the Round of 16 clash against Indonesia as a result of Mitchell Duke’s injury-enforced absence, with the Victory man consigned to cameos off the bench in the Socceroos’ other games.

Fornaroli fired a blank in his first game back for Victory (1-0 defeat to Macarthur), when he suffered a fractured hand – but still played the entire game. He has since undergone surgery but could still play this weekend, and it’d be silly to bet against the 36-year-old enjoying another rich vein of scoring form.

After all, he’s still tied first for the golden boot race alongside Newcastle’s Apostolos Stamatelopoulos despite missing five games.

’El Tuna’ may be 36 years old, but he’s in vintage scoring form.Source: Getty Images

Kusini Yengi

Yengi took major strides in staking his claim to be the Socceroos’ next long-term option up front, starting the group stage clash against Uzbekistan in place of an injured Mitchell Duke, with Arnold describing his performance as “outstanding.”

He may not provide the same relentless pressing as Duke does up top, but Yengi’s physicality and ability to hold the ball up certainly caught the eye.

Yengi earned his call-up thanks to a strong debut season for League One promotion hopefuls Portsmouth with seven goals in 17 appearances prior to the Asian Cup.

And the former Western Sydney Wanderers man didn’t need to wait long to make an impact on his return at Fratton Park, scoring the first of Portsmouth’s three in a win over Cambridge United.

Marco Tilio

Having secured a dream move from Melbourne City to Celtic last summer, Tilio’s endured a Glaswegian nightmare.

The 22-year-old had clocked 28 minutes all season long under Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers but was still included in Arnold’s Asian Cup squad due to his ability to “bring that bit of difference as an impact player” and to “get that smile back on his face.”

Tilio appeared just once for the Socceroos in Qatar — five minutes off the bench against Uzbekistan — but has since secured a loan move to Melbourne City for the remainder of the season.

He made his return in the 5-1 humiliation against Brisbane in a 32-minute appearance off the bench and one would imagine it won’t be long before he’s back starting games again.

It is a loan move that must work out for Tilio in a bid to force his way back into Rodgers’ Celtic plans.

Otherwise his time with the Hoops could be over as quickly as it began.

Mitchell Duke

Duke remains Arnold’s first choice at striker, although the two group stage fixtures he played in didn’t exactly play to his main strengths of stretching opposition backlines.

The 33-year-old also had a golden chance to send Australia into the semi-finals against South Korea but flashed his header wide.

Duke is now gearing up for the 2024 J1 League season with Machida Zelvia having helped the team achieve promotion last year.

At his age, it’s likely Duke has just one more World Cup cycle left in him as Arnold must eventually turn to the next generation.

But as long as Duke has plenty of running left in him, he won’t give up his starting spot without a fight.

Craig Goodwin

Goodwin continues to age like a fine wine and richly deserved his spot in the AFC’s Asian Cup 2023 team of the tournament.

However, Goodwin cannot let his performances for club or country dip knowing Jordan Bos is breathing down his neck as his replacement at left wing, even though the latter has made his name predominantly as a left back.

The 32-year-old last featured for Saudi Pro League side Al-Wehda on December 31 before the league took a brief pause, but has started 13 of the 14 league games he’s played in this season.

Goodwin will most certainly have a vital part to play in the Socceroos’ road to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will hope to feature at the tournament.

Goodwin’s outstanding performances at the Asian Cup saw him named in the team of the tournament.Source: Getty Images

John Iredale

Iredale represented somewhat of a surprise inclusion in Arnold’s Asian Cup squad, although the Aussie boss revealed the forward was a player he’d “admired for a long time.”

The 24-year-old, who plies his trade with 2. Bundesliga side Wehen Wiesbaden, didn’t see a minute of action in Qatar but earning a call-up is no easy feat.

In his return to action for Wehen Wiesbaden, Iredale came off the bench against FC Nuremberg for a brief cameo.

However, should Iredale start to receive more regular starts, expect him to figure in the conversation for Socceroos inclusions for several more international windows to come.

OTHERS — NON ASIAN CUP

Calem Nieuwenhof

The 22-year-old centre midfielder (well, he turns 23 tomorrow!) was one of the standouts in the last A-League season before moving to Scottish club Hearts in July. Since then, he’s come along in leaps and bounds – so much so that his coach is confident he’ll lace up his boots for the Socceroos soon.

After a slow start to the season, Hearts are third in the league with eight wins in a row in all competitions, and their Aussie foursome of Nieuwenhof, Kye Rowles, Nathaniel Atkinson and fellow young midfielder Cameron Devlin have been crucial to their success.

He’s played 25 times in all competitions, scoring two goals in his last five games and picking up an assist. His most recent goal was an absolute stunner.

Crucial to his rise has been an increased physicality and toughness in the midfield scrap – with the Scottish league the perfect place for the youngster to grow in that regard.

“The character he is, he’s a reserved person and is really chilled out,” coach Steven Naismith told The Scotsman. “That probably went against him in his first few months when he was finding his feet, but in training you can see his quality – his calmness in possession, his understanding of the game, his range of passing, and he is a goal threat as well.

“He’s one of the fittest players at the club. What he brings on and off the ball is really important. He’s consistently improving and becoming more dominant in games, which is why we signed him. We knew he was a good player, he’s a really good player.

“He’s got a desire to get into the international team and I don’t think that’ll be too far away if he continues in the same vein of form.”

Nieuwenhof said his manager was ‘not wrong, for sure’ about being chilled out – but added: “You need to go into every game with that mindset that you are going to have to get stuck in and get involved. Cammy’s great to learn from. He’s a real dog and a really aggressive player. For sure that is something I can take from his game. That’s something I have really learned across the last few months and brought it into my game and just trying to get consistency into that side of my game, the physical aspect.”

For now, he looms as a crucial member of Australia’s Under-23 Olyroos squad who will compete in the U-23 Asian Cup in April-May in a bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. But he’s building a compelling case to join the Socceroos’ stacked midfield ranks.

Two-cap Socceroo Cameron Devlin, meanwhile, was ruled out for around six weeks after an ankle injury which cost him a place at the Asian Cup. The 25-year-old has been on the bench for the last two games for Hearts but has not yet played.

Alessandro Circati

Circati’s stock continues to rise with every game for Serie B side Parma and it’s only going to strengthen the case for his inclusions in future Socceroos squads.

The 20-year-old was left out of the team that went to the Asian Cup as Arnold felt it was better for his development to keep playing at club level rather than warm the bench in Qatar.

Since Serie B resumed from the winter break, Circati has started three of the five games, with one draw and two wins in that time with Parma losing one of the games he was benched for.

Circati has plenty of years on his side and, crucially, the benefit of regular game time.

Additionally, Parma are six points clear at the top of Serie B and are no doubt the favourites for promotion, meaning Circati could very easily be lining up in Italy’s top flight next season.

If Parma go up and Circati starts Serie A games, the noise will only grow louder for his inclusion in Socceroos line-ups – and the rumours of Premier League interest will only grow stronger.

Ajdin Hrustic

Hrustic has rapidly fallen from his status as one of the Socceroos’ key creative outlets to the international wilderness, but a January switch could provide the spark needed to get his career back on track.

The midfielder’s move from Frankfurt to Serie A side Hellas Verona has been an unmitigated disaster, failing to even make the bench for any of their league games this season.

But Hrustic sealed a loan switch to Dutch side Heracles Almelo and earned a start in just his second match, helping the club to a 3-2 win over Vitesse. It was his first top-flight start in over a year.

It’s a much-needed move for Hrustic if he is to force himself back into Arnold’s thoughts ahead of World Cup qualification.

Hrustic has not appeared for the Socceroos since a 45-minute showing in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Argentina in China last June.

Given the Socceroos’ struggles when it came to unlocking deep-lying defences at the Asian Cup — a problem the Aussies will encounter throughout the road to the 2026 World Cup — Hrustic’s return would be a welcome one.

Hrustic finally ended a year-long nightmare at Verona.Source: Getty Images

Cristian Volpato

Until Volpato makes his international future clear, there’s still a chance he could be capped for the Socceroos in the not-too-distant future.

Speaking to ESPNprior to the Asian Cup, Arnold revealed he had been in constant communication with Volpato but the talented midfielder “wants to just focus on his club career” for now.

Since moving from Roma to Sassuolo last summer, Volpato has largely been consigned to appearing off the bench and only just made his first start of the season against Bologna.

But Volpato made full use of the opportunity, scoring a stunning goal to give Sassuolo a 2-1 lead in the 34th minute as they went on to record a 4-2 victory.

With the 2026 World Cup cycle about to begin, could Volpato’s interest in international football be piqued?

Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil

And what of the Socceroos’ attacking trio of Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil?

Mabil has been a mainstay of the Socceroos set-up and loomed as a likely inclusion for the Asian Cup squad, but he picked up an injury in Grasshopper’s 1-0 win over Basel on December 10 and has not been sighted since.

Prior to the injury, Mabil had been in solid form throughout the season and started eight out of 12 games he appeared in, with four goals and three assists to boot.

At 28 years of age, expect Mabil to be in and around Socceroos squads for the next World Cup cycle.

Popular figure Awer Mabil missed the Asian Cup with injury.Source: Getty Images

On the other end of the age spectrum is Kuol and Irankunda.

Kuol burst onto the scene for the Central Coast Mariners and earned a move to Premier League side Newcastle United, but from there his club journey hasn’t gone as he’d have hoped.

He moved to Eredivisie side FC Volendam on a season-long loan but they sit in 17th place, nine points away from safety.

Kuol himself has struggled to hold down a starting spot as well, clocking just 55 minutes of action since December.

It’s important to remember he is just 19 years of age and there’s plenty of time on his side, but as it stands, he’s behind in the pecking order of Socceroos’ wingers.

Garang Kuol scored his maiden Socceroos goal last March.Source: Getty Images

Then there’s Adelaide United winger Irankunda, who recently turned 18 and is headed for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

The teenage sensation turned heads with blistering power in his shots and silky runs down the right, breezing past defender with ease.

However, since his move was announced, Irankunda has often cut a frustrated figure on the field and Adelaide coach Carl Veart even said he doesn’t “see enough happiness” from the prodigy.

Irankunda was brought into the Socceroos fold as a train-on player for the friendlies against Ecuador in March last year and has also featured for the Joeys.

Should Irankunda continue his remarkable upward trajectory with Bayern, a full Socceroos call-up is not out of the question and he could loom as a major game-changer for the upcoming World Cup cycle.

Source link

February 16, 2024
Olympics conundrum, injury hell could make or break Socceroos’ Asian Cup dream: State of play

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has a major headache as he prepares to name his 26-man squad for January’s Asian Cup.

While injuries to key veterans like Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie have thrown a spanner in the works and could require a couple of risky gambles, there’s a bigger problem facing Arnold as he eyes a first title since the Socceroos’ maiden triumph in 2015.

Another crucial tournament looms just a couple of months after the Asian Cup, when the Olyroos compete in the under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar. That tournament doubles as the qualification path to the Paris Olympics (also an U-23 tournament), with the top three teams Asian directly qualifying and the fourth-placed team heading to a playoff against African nation Guinea.

Stumped for gift ideas? This festive season, give the gift that keeps on giving. Gift a Kayo subscription from just $25 a month!

But, while clubs are forced to release players to play for the senior national team, such as for January’s Asian Cup, the same rules don’t apply to the under-23s.

Many clubs would be understandably unhappy to lose young stars for up to six weeks in January-February and then for around a month in April-May – which is a crucial late-season period for many competitions around the world. And even though clubs are technically forced to release players to play for the senior team – the Socceroos – it’s a poorly-kept secret in world football that many clubs pressure players to reject international call-ups.

Arnold has a difficult balancing act – picking the best squad possible while not jeopardising the needs of the Olyroos led by coach Tony Vidmar, and all while trying to keep the clubs (relatively) happy.

We analyse the Socceroos state of play ahead of the Asian Cup.Source: FOX SPORTS

Choosing not to call up a young player now would logically mean a club would be more likely to release them for the U-23 tournament.

Given that Arnold believes the Olympics are highly valuable for a player’s development – so much so that he even took over the Olyroos and guided them to the Tokyo Olympics while still in charge of the Socceroos – Arnold is expected to help ensure Vidmar has the best players at his disposal in April.

But some clubs might still choose to not release a player for the Olyroos even if they are omitted from this tournament – again, it’s somewhat understandable given the Olympic qualifiers (the Asian U-23 Cup) takes place in that crucial April-May period.

But other under-23 players are simply so talented or in such hot form that Arnold could (or should) select them in his Socceroos squad, consequences be damned.

As many as ten under-23 players would have been in contention to feature in the Socceroos side this time around – especially given that the Asian Cup has just changed the squad rules to allow 26-player squads instead of the usual 23.

Two youngsters – Jordan Bos and Alessandro Circati – were in last month’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine.

Bos is the long-term future for the Socceroos at left-back and is likely to be selected alongside Aziz Behich. He’s an example of a player that is so valuable to the Socceroos now that Arnold would not want to make the sacrifice of not selecting him for the tournament – even if that sacrifice would convince Bos’s Belgian club Westerlo to release him for the Olyroos.

Of course, it is just as likely that Westerlo would refuse an U-23 call-up for Bos, regardless of whether or not he goes to the Asian Cup with the senior team. But the situation in Bos’s case is simple – and since he’s just-about nailed on as the number one Socceroo at the position, selecting him won’t mean the youngster is attending the tournament only to sit on the sidelines.

Behich keen to hand Victory first loss | 01:34

Circati, meanwhile is behind Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles in the centre-back pecking order, but is playing regularly in the Championship and would be an obvious pick for the squad if he wasn’t under 23. Given there are other strong options available, like Cameron Burgess, the versatile Thomas Deng, or even Alex Grant or Curtis Good, Circati could miss out – but that would not be based on form.

Six more U-23s have been part of Socceroos camps this year. That includes midfielders Alex Robertson and Patrick Yazbek, and forwards Mohamed Toure, Marco Tilio, Garang Kuol and Nestory Irankunda (the latter as a train-on player).

Of those players, Robertson is in such sensational form for Portsmouth in League One that Arnold will be very tempted to select him.

But Portsmouth would be loathe to lose him for up to six weeks – or as many as eight games – in January. Then again, they probably would reject an U-23 call-up come April-May.

Besides, there are plenty of other midfielders in form and further up the pecking order. Jackson Irvine, Keanu Baccus and Connor Metcalfe have formed a potent combination in the centre of the park and look set to reprise that trio in the Cup.

Perhaps it would be better for Robertson and his career to play eight games at club level rather than fight for minutes at the Asian Cup?

These are the kind of brutally difficult selection decisions that Arnold must make.

Tilio, Toure and Kuol are each struggling for game-time at club level, while 17-year-old Irankunda is probably not ready for the senior team. But Tilio is the most experienced at the Socceroos level and could benefit from (any) match minutes as he looks to convince his Celtic coach to give him a shot back at club level.

21-year-old Yazbek, like Irankunda, hasn’t debuted for the senior team yet and is probably too far down the pecking order to be selected this time around.

Joe Gauci ready to step up for Asian Cup | 00:58

So among those who have been in Socceroos camp in 2023, Bos is by far the most likely to feature in the Asian Cup. Circati and Robertson would be in the mix based on form, but managing club relationships and doing what is best for their development could see them miss out.

But there are more young guns who haven’t yet been handed a senior call-up that could still be in the mix for selection.

That includes former Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof, currently in fine form for Heart of Midlothian in Scotland. That list also includes Nicholas Bilokapic, probably a little too far down the goalkeeping pecking order but one for the future if not selected now. No.1 keeper and Australia captain Mat Ryan is set to recover from a cheekbone fracture in time for the opening game of the tournament, if not perhaps the second game, while Joe Gauci of Adelaide looks to be the likely back-up.

Given a third-choice keeper is unlikely to earn any minutes at the tournament, Bilokapic is exactly the sort of player that Arnold would prefer stays at his club (League One team Peterborough United) and gets regular minutes to continue his development. Fingers crossed, though, that Peterborough allows their young gloveman to play for the U-23s.

The list of injured players throws up major headaches. Leckie has experienced a tricky run of injuries which have prevented him from playing a string of consecutive games at any point in the last six months. And given the squad assembles for the tournament on the first of January, it might come too soon for the Melbourne City attacker.

Police look into spectator abuse in EPL | 00:32

Awer Mabil, Gianni Stensness, Nicholas d’Agostino, and Mohamed Toure are all set to miss out with injury, as are Brandon Borrello and Ryan Strain. Striker Jamie Maclaren has been managing an ongoing foot injury, while Riley McGree has only just returned to training. Denis Genreau is also battling a long-term groin injury and has been struggling for game-time.

Plenty of other players are struggling with a lack of game time or are frozen out at their clubs – like Marco Tilio, Ajdin Hrustic and Fran Karacic. Oh, and Massimo Luongo is also out of the picture after retiring from international football to focus on his club’s bid for Premier League promotion.

With so many players unavailable or risky selections, Arnold faces a big headache – one that only adds to the headaches surrounding balancing the Socceroos’ immediate needs with those of the Olyroos.

The answer might just be more left-field selections – under 23s or not.

Arnold’s team announcement on Friday morning (set for 10am AEDT) could deliver plenty of shocks as he gambles on fitness, form, and with one eye firmly on the future of his team when it comes to the Paris Olympics and the 2026 World Cup.

Source link

December 20, 2023
Your ultimate Dandenong District Turf 1 season preview

We’ve dug deep to preview the 2023-24 Dandenong District Turf 1 season.

Here’s a look at every clubs ins, outs and how they should perform…

BEACONSFIELD

Last year: Turf 2 premiers

Captain: Mark Cooper (captain-coach)

Ins: Thishane De Silva (Rowville), Kevin Seth (Heinz Southern Districts), Yohan Arumadura (Keysborough)

Outs: Callan Tout (Narre South), Lachie Ramage (Kooweerup)

Snapshot: Despite recent Turf 2 premiers immediately falling back down, there’s a sense of expectation on Beaconsfield, it feels different to those gone before it. But that doesn’t mean the Tigers won’t need to improve in all three areas to match the Turf 1 powers. They start their season on the road before the battle of the creek returns in round 2 against Berwick.

Young gun to watch:

Mitch Tielen.

A talented young player that the Tigers expect to grow this summer.

BERWICK

Last year: Sixth

Captain: Jarrod Goodes

Ins: Jarrod Goodes, Corey Bevan, Matthew Robertson (all returning), Jarrod Wills (Dandenong), Matthew Hague (returning to DDCA)

Outs: James Wilcock (Drouin), Andrew Perrin (St Marys Nagle), Damith Mapa (Mordialloc)

Snapshot: The Bears enter the 2023-24 season with a sense of mystery. While they have lost three star players, they’ve welcomed back a number of guns as well. They’ll back their own in and Jake Hancock will appreciate the return of red-ball cricket.

Young guns to watch:

Jarrod Wills, Toby Wills, Mason Binns

Three young players the Bears have big hopes for this summer.

BUCKLEY RIDGES

Last year: Runners-up

Captain: TBC

Ins: Charuka Tharindu (Sri Lankan draft), Roshen Silva (Sri Lanka), Lucas Carey (Bonbeach), Ben Wilkinson (England), James Anson (England), Zafar Sheik (returning from Casey South Melbourne)

Outs: Mahela Udawatte (Hallam Kalora Park)

Snapshot: The Bucks storm into the Turf 1 season with a plethora of ready-made recruits. Expect Roshen Silva to have an enormous output with the bat, particularly with the return of two-day matches. Successive grand final defeats won’t sit well with the Bucks, they’ll be out for immediate redemption.

Young gun to watch:

Cooper Grey

A talented all-rounder ready to make a big step.

HALLAM KALORA PARK

Last year: Preliminary finalist

Captain: Jordan Hammond

Ins: Mahela Udawatte (Buckley Ridges), Charith Keerthisinghe (Phillip Island)

Outs: Sachith Jayasingha (Doveton North), Ryan Hillard (retired)

Snapshot: After falling agonisingly short a grand final berth, and with the addition of two strong recruits, it’s hard to see the Hawks not improving this season. Udawatte will steady up the top order and allow the Hawks to build a base before their hitters make an impact late in the innings. The loss of spinner Jayasingha hurts but they’ve wasted no time in finding another tweaker in Keerthisinghe.

Young gun to watch:

Lachlan Gregson.

Despite being an established Turf 1 cricketer at just (age) 20, the Hawks still expect development out of Gregson.

NARRE SOUTH

Last year: Fifth

Captain: Kyle Hardy

Ins: Callum Nicholls (Glamorgan), Alex Cruickshank (Cambridge), Callan Tout (Beaconsfield)

Outs: Jonty Jenner (South Africa), Zak Wilson (England), Harry Finch (England)

Snapshot: Former first-class star Jeevan Mendis is likely to plant himself at one end for 20-plus overs in two-day cricket, making life extremely hard for opposition batters. While they have finished in the third to fifth mark since joining Turf 1, the Lions feel it’s time for them to take a scalp at the pointy end of the year.

Young gun to watch:

Riley McDonald.

A young wicketkeeper-bat who has Turf 1 experience but hasn’t exploded just yet. He will get plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent at the top of the order this season.

NORTH DANDENONG

Last year: Elimination finalist

Captain: Clayton McCartney

Ins: Jurgen Anderson (Long Island), Randeep Sahota (Springvale)

Outs: Austin Heldt (Premier Cricket), Nimesh Kariyawasam

Snapshot: The Maroons broke through with a finals berth but are hungry for more. The return of Anderson will help, as will the addition of Sahota, but David Bell’s men need their regular starters to capitalise with the bat. North Dandenong often found itself in a strong position before a cluster of wickets derailed its innings last summer. If the Maroons can convert on those starts, it will go a long way in them breaking their premiership drought.

Young gun to watch:

Riley Shaw.

There’s a selection of young players climbing through the Maroons’ grades, but Shaw is showing plenty of signs. He’s a top-order bat who has improved his off-spin.

SPRINGVALE SOUTH

Last year: Premiers

Captain: Ryan Quirk

Ins: Tharinda Wijesinghe (Sri Lankan draft), Stephen Hennessy (Keysborough)

Outs: Nil.

Snapshot: It’s very much a case of don’t fix what isn’t broken for the Bloods. With back-to-back crowns, it’s understandable why they haven’t tipped Alex Nelson Reserve over. Cameron Forsyth isn’t listed as an out, but he will miss the opening half of the season through travel. The addition of Wijesinghe, a right-arm leg spinner, is perfect as spinner Jarryd Straker will need assistance covering the extra overs in two-day cricket’s return.

Young gun to watch:

Brayden Sharp.

He’s a talented bat with limited Turf 1 experience, the Bloods expect him to take his game to a new level this summer.

ST MARYS

Last year: Seventh

Captain: Susa Pradeep

Ins: Sheshan Udara (Sri Lankan draft), Saveen Nanayakkara, Safaris Moahomad, Rasandu Thilakarathna, Danidu Gunarathne

Outs: Ashan Anthony, Kasun Niranjana, Daveen Sasindu

Snapshot: The Saints avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last summer and will be fighting against it again this season. While many would assume their objective should be remain in Turf 1, they internally would like to strive for more. That ambition hinges on the performance of Sri Lankan draftee Sheshan Udara, who is racing against the clock to land at Carroll Reserve.

Young gun to watch:

Rasandu Thilakarathna

Will bat in the top order and bowl handy spin for the Saints this year.

Originally published as Your ultimate Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 season preview

Source link

September 28, 2023
Veteran eyes PL as recall beckons; World Cup star’s nervous wait: Roo Radar State of Play

The European contingent of Australian players continues to grow, with a number of established and hopeful Socceroos flocking to the continent.

But for some of the Aussies already there, they are at a critical juncture in their careers amid an uphill battle for game time.

There’s also several other Australians dotted across the world as a result of recent transfers.

Foxsports.com.au breaks down the situation for our countrymen in a bumper edition of Roo Radar!

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. Join now and start streaming instantly >

Who will make the next Socceroos squad for the match against Mexico on September 10.Source: Getty Images

BELGIUM

The Jupiler Pro League in Belgium recently gained two Aussies, with former Melbourne City duo Jordan Bos and Aiden O’Neill joining KVC Westerlo and Standard Liege respectively.

The pair were some of Melbourne City’s finest performers last season en route to a premiership and grand final appearance and resulted in Socceroos call-ups for both.

Bos’ switch to Westerlo broke the record for the most expensive outgoing from Australia, with the deal reportedly worth $AUD2 million.

Westerlo have wasted no time in throwing the left-back into the deep end as Bos has started three from four games for his new club.

As for O’Neill, he has started all four games for Standard Liege as a defensive midfielder but is yet to taste victory.

With Bos and O’Neill enjoying regular game time so far, it bodes well for the rest of the season as they look to maintain their spots in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad.

The other Aussie in Belgium is Jason Davidson, who joined KAS Eupen last season.

Davidson has been a left-back for most of his career but has impressed for Eupen as a centre-back this season and has played every minute of his side’s four games with two wins and a

draw to boot.

MORE COVERAGE

Liverpool bombshell as Salah mulls $383m Saudi deal … but Reds refuse to sell

City’s $109m title statement as 21yo sensation joins; star makes $45m Saudi switch: Done Deals

Ange’s Spurs linked to shock move for Chelsea flop: Five big PL moves that could still happen

‘He’s so good’: Star lifts lid on stunning dressing room reaction to Angeball

Jordan Bos battling Angel di Maria of Argentina.Source: Getty Images

ENGLAND

Tom Glover, Riley McGree and Sammy Silvera (Middlesbrough)

There’s three Aussies at Boro this season, with Olyroos gun Samuel Silvera also joining the books just last month. But it hasn’t been a great start to the season, with the team failing to win any of their first three Championship matches. Left-winger Silvera has been having the best run so far, with an assist to pick up a draw last time out, and another assist in a cup win. After starting on the bench in the opening league game, he’s now started three straight games (all comps) and the 22-year-old looks set to have a big impact as he takes a major step up this season after joining from the Central Coast Mariners.

25-year-old Glover, who also moved from down under in July, played the cup game but is currently the number two gloveman at the club behind Senegal international Seny Dieng, who joined one day later. But with Boro struggling defensively, Glover will be hoping to crack into the first team – or else enjoy a good cup run to get minutes under his belt.

McGree meanwhile started the first league game but has since come off the bench in the three other matches – and bagged a goal in the cup. The 24-year-old even had a stint at an unfamiliar left-back position in pre-season. As the team looks to climb up the ladder after their miserable start, he could find a way back into the starting side more regularly.

McGree in action against Argentina in June.Source: Getty Images

Harry Souttar (Leicester City)

There’s been plenty of talk over a possible exit from the club after they were relegated from the Premier League, but it hasn’t happened … yet. Leicester sold Harvey Barnes and James Maddison for big money to balance their books, but they still need to trim a bloated squad (and wage bill!). Harry Souttar hasn’t been given much of a look-in by new manager Enzo Maresca, and an exit appears reasonably likely. He was left on the bench for their first league game and out of the squad completely for the two following games. Maresca said: “Harry’s a guy who since day one has been working very well. But because the window is open, for Harry and for the rest of the 25 players that we have, something can happen.”

Scottish giants Rangers have been linked with a move that would reunite Harry Souttar with his brother John. Without a move, Souttar seems likely to only get limited game-time.

Alexander Robertson (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City)

The 20-year-old central midfielder has settled in very well to life in League One at Portsmouth, playing all five of their matches (all comps) since his loan move this month. He scored in a penalty shootout win after coming on as a substitute in the EFL Trophy (formerly the Papa John’s Trophy, a cup competition), and has started their last two league matches. The young playmaker looks extremely classy and comfortable on the ball and the early signs are promising a breakout campaign in his first full season of senior football. Making it into Manchester City’s senior team still feels a while away, but with Kevin de Bruyne’s serious injury and subsequent surgery ruling him out until the end of the calendar year, another injury or two could see Pep Guardiola recall the Aussie young gun from loan for added depth. It’s not likely, but it’s not out of the realms of possibility – and every week that Robertson continues to impress at Portsmouth helps to build his case.

There’s another Aussie at Portsmouth in 24-year-old Kusini Yengi, a former Olyroos player, with the left-winger starting the season brilliantly by scoring four goals in three appearances before an ankle injury ruled him out until mid-October. When he’s back, keep a close eye on the former A-Leagues star.

There’s also several other Australians in England who are either in or awfully close to the Socceroos squad.

Ipswich Town duo Massimo Luongo and Cam Burgess are no doubt loving life at the minute.

It’s early days in a long and gruelling Championship season, but the Tractor Boys are in first place having won three games from three and conceding just one goal in that time.

Luongo and Burgess have played every minute of Ipswich’s campaign so far and have caught the eye of Arnold who reportedly watched the duo last weekend.

Burgess was set to be included in the Socceroos squad for the Argentina friendlies but was ruled out with injury, yet his form so far has no doubt boosted his chances.

Massimo Luongo is in the Championship for the first time since 2020-21.Source: Getty Images

Elsewhere in League One is Aussie duo Callum Elder and Kenny Dougall who are at Derby County and Blackpool respectively.

Elder came off the bench for slim minutes in the first four of Derby’s league matches and the 28-year-old left back is struggling as he pushes for a first-team spot.

30-year-old central midfielder Dougall has two starts, one in the cup and one in the league, with two more league appearances off the bench.

However, with Arnold taking a view towards the future in his squad selections the chances of Elder and Dougall returning to the Socceroos fold appear limited.

There’s also Tyrese Francois with Premier League side Fulham. Francois, a 23-year-old midfielder, spent part of last season on loan at HNK Gorica in Croatia after making one Premier League appearance off the bench. He suffered an injury late last season and it’s unclear if he’s currently fully fit, having trained with the first-team squad but not travelling with them to the USA in pre-season. He has not been named in a Fulham squad so far this season. A transfer is also a possibility, as is a loan deal, as he needs more match minutes to grow in his career.

FRANCE

Denis Genreau (Toulouse)

Denis Genreau will look to pick up right where he left off after the midfielder enjoyed a strong end to the 2022/23 Ligue One campaign.

The midfielder, who dealt with a series of niggling injuries last season, started Toulouse’s first league game of the season in a 2-1 win over Nantes before coming on as a substitution in a 1-1 draw with PSG.

At 24 years of age, Genreau is only going to get better and if he can nail down a regular spot in Toulouse’s midfield, there’s no reason to assume otherwise.

He made the Socceroos squad for the recent Argentina friendly and will hope to maintain it in the lead-up to the Asian Cup.

In France’s second tier is Mohamed Toure, who linked up with Paris FC on loan from Reims.

The teenager came on as a sub in Paris’ second game of the Ligue Two season against Grenoble but wasn’t in the squad for their other two fixtures due to an unknown injury.

Even if Toure doesn’t get the minutes he hopes for, a loan experience at 19 is invaluable as he looks to prove himself in France.

Toulouse’s Australian midfielder Denis Genreau (L) in a pre-season friendly with Roma this month.Source: AFP

GERMANY

Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe (FC St Pauli)

Many have said it before, but it’s hard to think of a footballer who fits a club’s ethos quite like Jackson Irvine does at FC St Pauli.

The all-action midfielder, who dons the captain’s armband for the club in the German second tier, has started every game for St Pauli this season and will no doubt be a key figure in their push for promotion.

Irvine is joined at the club by fellow Australian Connor Metcalfe, who moved to St Pauli last season.

Although the 23-year-old showed glimpses of his quality, he never quite found a consistent run of form.

But Metcalfe has also started in St Pauli’s three league games so far as a right winger which bodes well for getting opportunities to shine.

St Pauli came awfully close to promotion to the Bundesliga last season and finished fifth, so expectations will be high for Irvine and Metcalfe to deliver if they are to achieve their ultimate goal.

Irvine captaining St Pauli this month.Source: Getty Images

INDIA

Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan)

Not many score a hat-trick to win an A-League grand final in their last game, but then again, not many footballers are Jason Cummings.

The cult hero left a lasting impression both on and off the field in a two-year stint with the Central Coast Mariners where he scored 31 goals from 50 games and earned a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad.

Cummings has since moved to India for a life-changing salary and has already scored twice for his new club Mohun Bagan in three games.

However, his status with the national team could come into question given the level of football on show in India.

Time will tell whether it proves to be a detrimental factor but if Cummings scores goals in India like he did in Australia, it will be hard to argue he doesn’t deserve a spot in the Socceroos squad.

There’s also Rostyn Griffiths in India, with Mumbai City. The 35-year-old has never been capped for Australia and has missed his chance, but keep an eye out for the Asian Champions League, where he’ll face Saudi mega-team Al-Hilal featuring Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Cummings moved to India after winning the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners.Source: Getty Images

ITALY

Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo)

Cristian Volpato finds himself in new surroundings after moving to Sassuolo from Roma in the summer window for an estimated £6.4 million.

It is hoped a switch to Sassuolo will lead to increased game time for the talented 19-year-old, although both of his first two games for his new club have come from the bench.

Volpato did chalk up an assist in Sassuolo’s 5-2 win over Cosenza in the first round of the Italy Cup.

Prior to the 2023/24 season, Arnold confirmed he would visit Volpato in an attempt to convince him to represent the Socceroos ahead of Italy, but as of now there are no indications who he will play for on the international stage.

Time will tell on Volpato’s international future, but the teen must focus on performing for his new club first before thinking about whether to don the green and gold or the famous blue of Italy.

Alessandro Circati (Parma)

After a lengthy courting process, Arnold finally convinced promising defender Alessandro Circati to pledge his international allegiance to Australia ahead of the Argentina friendly.

The teenager had the benefit of playing in a defensive unit for Serie B side Parma with legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon barking orders behind him.

Although Buffon has since retired, Circati has no doubt taken on plenty of wisdom from the Italian superstar and will look to apply it this year for club and country.

The 19-year-old was part of a defensive unit that kept a clean sheet in Parma’s Serie B opener against Feralpisalo and in their Italy Cup first round clash against fellow promotion hopefuls Bari.

Ajdin Hrustic (Hellas Verona)

Having long been heralded as Australia’s key attacking force from midfield, Ajdin Hrustic has struggled in recent times.

Hrustic moved to Verona from Eintracht Frankfurt in last year’s summer window in search of game time but that never quite materialised.

The 27-year-old also underwent ankle surgery in early January and is yet to return to the field for Verona in Serie B after they were relegated at the end of last season.

There’s still plenty of time for Hrustic to turn things around at club level but if he cannot get on the park in the Italian second division, it will spark serious fears for his hopes of making Australia’s Asian Cup squad.

Hrustic has a lot of work to do.Source: Getty Images

JAPAN

Mitch Duke (Machida Zelvia)

The veteran striker joined Machida Zelvia in January and has had a strong season, with five goals and six assists in 24 appearances in the second division plus a cup goal. He was a regular starter earlier for most of the year but has come off the bench in the last four games for the team currently six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand. His team still has 12 matches to play as they chase promotion.

Socceroos star Duke and Lionel Messi shake hands at the World Cup.Source: Getty Images

Mitch Langerak (Nagoya Grampus)

Langerak is having yet another fantastic season for top-flight side Nagoya Grampus. The entrenched starting goalkeeper has played 28 games in all competitions with just 23 goals conceded and 11 clean sheets. He was a shock omission from last year’s World Cup and at 35 years old appears to be on the outer of the national team, but is consistently performing at the top level and could fill in for the Socceroos at any point. Nagoya are third on the ladder, five points off the lead.

Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata)

Deng is also in the top flight with Albirex Niigata, the 14th-placed team. It’s been an up and down season (which began in February) for the 26-year-old central defender. From late May to early June he dropped out of the squad completely, but regained his place for seven-straight starting appearances before a stint off the bench last time out. Overall he’s made 21 appearances in all competitions this year. If he can lock down that place in the starting XI, he’ll continue to press his case for a spot in the Socceroos’ defensive line.

KOREA

Harrison Delbridge (Incheon United)

Delbridge continues to be a mainstay in the backline for Korean side Incheon United, starting 19 of 27 league games this season.

His impressive form last year earned a call-up to the Socceroos for the double-header against New Zealand where he made his international debut.

However, Delbridge likely faces an uphill battle to break back into the team with the likes of Souttar, Kye Rowles and Circati ahead of him in the pecking order.

Delbridge for the Socceroos in September last year.Source: Getty Images

NETHERLANDS

Garang Kuol (Volendam, on loan from Newcastle)

18-year-old Kuol had a difficult first season in Europe, making just nine appearances for Hearts in Scotland on loan from Premier League side Newcastle – and almost all of them coming off the bench. Now he’s been sent to Volendam, a renowned nursery for young players, to get more minutes and continue his development. He got 24 minutes in their first league match of the season but was left out of the squad for the second match. Coach Matthias Kohler said: “We have to be patient with him. That is simply the case with a young player who comes from a foreign competition.”

Despite his limited minutes at club-land, he picked up his first Socceroos goal against Ecuador in March.

This will be a big season for Kuol’s growth, and getting as many minutes as possible is crucial.

Kuol celebrates his first goal for the Socceroos in March.Source: Getty Images

Mat Ryan (AZ Alkmaar)

The 31-year-old gloveman is the settled number one at AZ Alkmaar, having joined the Dutch club in January. The Socceroos skipper has had a great start to the season, with two clean sheets in his first five matches – four wins and a draw. Their two league wins and a +6 goal difference has them top of the Eredivisie league ladder, having finished a strong fourth last season.

On Friday morning, his side continued their bid to reach the third-tier European continental competition – the Europa Conference League – with a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Brann of Norway. Ryan made five saves in another strong showing.

NORWAY

Gianni Stensness (Viking FC)

The 24-year-old centre-back/defensive midfielder had been in fine form in recent months, earning himself a first Socceroos call-up in 12 months against Argentina in June. But things came crashing down when he tore his ACL in training later that month. He’ll be out until the end of the year.

But young Aussie teammate Patrick Yazbek, 21, is having a sensational season, bagging one goal and five assists in 18 appearances (all comps). The centre-midfielder looks to be a key figure in the Olyroos team aiming to reach the Paris Olympics.

Rounding out the Australian trio at Viking is Nick D’Agostino, although the striker has largely been consigned to an impact role off the bench.

SCOTLAND

Nathaniel Atkinson, Kye Rowles, Cameron Devlin, Calem Nieuwenhof (Hearts)

The Heart of Midlothian contingent again features FOUR Aussies this season, although Garang Kuol has been replaced this year by another young gun Calem Nieuwenhof.

The team is third in the league after two rounds, with a win and a draw, and are also competing in the Europa Conference League play-offs, where they suffered a 2-1 first-leg loss to Greek league leaders PAOK on Friday morning.

Right-back Nathaniel Atkinson has started five games so far including that defeat, after a very strong finish to last season after a rollercoaster year saw him bounce in an out of the side but mostly feature off the bench. Early signs are very promising for the 24-year-old as he looks to take a step up in his career.

25-year-old Kye Rowles has played every minute of their six games in centre-back and is a lock to start. He’ll be hoping to avoid another injury like the metatarsal fracture he suffered in September last year that threatened his World Cup hopes. Luckily he returned in time to star in Qatar and quickly nail down his place in the Hearts’ starting side after that – and this season promises another strong campaign.

Cameron Devlin has enjoyed a bright start to the season.Source: Getty Images

Cammy Devlin bagged a brace in the Europa Conference League play-offs a week ago and has started five matches already, coming off the back of a breakout 41-game season last time around. With Aaron Mooy’s retirement, he’ll back himself to step up and fill the gap in the midfield – and his early form certainly boosts his case.

Calem Nieuwenhof, 22, made the move to Scotland on the back of a truly outstanding individual campaign for the Western Sydney Wanderers. The versatile midfielder is on a four-year contract and has plenty of time to grow, but appears to have settled well after a transfer he called an ‘easy decision’. He started their first league game in an attacking midfield role and a cup game in a defensive midfield position, and his ability to play in different roles is a key reason he should feature plenty off the bench, if not force his way into the starting team.

Devlin celebrating his brace.Source: Getty Images

Marco Tilio (Celtic)

Tilio broke the record for an outbound transfer from Australian shores at the start of July when he left Melbourne City for the Scottish giants for a fee over $2 million Australian. The youngster who turned 22 this month is however still recovering from an unknown injury that he suffered on Olyroos duty in June, with Celtic coach Brendan Rogers revealing last month that Tilio would miss the first few weeks of the season.

It will take him some time to get up to speed with the intensity of Scottish football and life at the champions. With the likes of Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda on the wings at the club, he’ll find it hard to break into the first team as a regular starter, but he’s got plenty of promise and will look to show what he can do off the bench at first.

Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain (St Mirren)

Last season was Keanu Baccus’ first in Scotland after joining St Mirren from Western Sydney Wanderers, and he racked up 36 appearances. That led to St Mirren agreeing a reported £275,000 sale to Bolton in England’s League One (third tier). But the deal fell through – reportedly due to difficulties obtaining a work permit – and reported interest from Scottish rivals Hibernian never eventuated.

The 25-year-old has played every minute of the club’s two league games already – both wins – and has also picked up one assist in three League Cup matches.

His physicality and hard work continues to impress in the rough-and-tumble Scottish Premiership, and he’ll hope to guide St Mirren to better than last year’s sixth placed this time around, especially after they struggled at the dying stages of last season.

With just one year left on his contract, St Mirren will definitely be looking to lock him down on a fresh deal so they can cash in when bigger clubs (almost inevitably) come calling.

And Baccus continues to go from strength to strength for the Socceroos, playing the full game against Argentina in June. With Aaron Mooy’s retirement, coach Graham Arnold could turn to another Scotland-based player in Baccus to step up at the base of the midfield.

Baccus battling Argentina in June’s friendly.Source: Getty Images

Like his club teammate Baccus, Ryan Strain had a standout season in his maiden campaign in Scotland. The right back is receiving interest this transfer window, and a deal could easily still happen before the window closes.

But manager Stephen Robinson said last month that the club had ‘no bids or offers’ for the player, claiming that meant other clubs were “not realising how good a player” he is.

“Long may it continue,” the St Mirren boss told BBC Scotland.

“We don’t want to let him go. We don’t need to sell, we’re not in the [financial] position we were in last year.

“Ryan’s done terrifically well. He’s a very, very good footballer if he doesn’t complicate the game.”

He’s started five cup games and bagged four assists already, and also started both league games in a sensational start to the season.

Scottish journalists are raving about the 26-year-old, with many declaring him the best right wing-back in the league outside of the ‘big two’ of Celtic and Rangers.

He only debuted for Australia last September and missed the World Cup, but the 26-year-old is arguably the most in-form Socceroo in the world right now.

Like Baccus, he also is in the final year of his contract, and St Mirren will make handing him a new deal a priority so as not to lose him for free at season’s end.

It looks like an all-Scottish league battle for Australia’s right back spot between Strain and Atkinson.Source: Getty Images

Martin Boyle, Jimmy Jeggo, Lewis Miller (Hibernian)

Martin Boyle is back! Earlier this month, the 30-year-old winger scored a brace in his first competitive fixture since October 2022, when he underwent surgery on an historical ACL injury. He had said days before that the team’s physios must “hate him,” given how hard he was pushing to return ahead of schedule. All up, he’s now had seven starts for three goals. He’s still not fully fit, but signs are promising that he’ll return to his best.

Jimmy Jeggo has been battling for a spot in the first team at Hibs, making two starts and five bench appearances so far this season. He joined the club in late January and played 17 times in all competitions last season, starting every single one of those games. But Hibernian signed 22-year-old Wales international Dylan Levitt in July, a former Manchester United academy player, and the pair look set to battle for starting duties in the coming weeks.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out for Lewis Miller, the 22-year-old right back who hasn’t yet played for the Socceroos but has featured for the Under-23 Olyroos. Miller is in his second season with Hibernian, but looks set for far more game time this campaign.

However, he’ll have to improve his game after a torrid showing in Hibs’ 5-0 loss to Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff clash at Easter Road, where three of the goals came from Miller’s flank.

SERBIA

Milos Degenek (Red Star Belgrade)

Degenek is back for a third stint at his boyhood club, having spent 18 months in the US. With three starts, three wins, and three clean sheets – and the team not conceding after he came off the bench in the other league match – it’s been a perfect opening to the new campaign. The 29-year-old has fit right back in, and looks like he’s cemented himself as one of the first-choice options at the heart of defence. He’ll also get the chance to play in the Champions League once again.

Interestingly, six-time reigning champions Red Star are playing a three-man backline this campaign, which could give Arnold room to change up his Socceroos defensive structure.

Degenek is in good form at the start of the new season.Source: Getty Images

SINGAPORE

Bailey Wright (Lion City Sailors)

In a move that caught many by surprise, Bailey Wright left Sunderland a year early to join Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors.

The switch to Singapore brings and end to Wright’s time in England where he had played since 2010.

Wright confirmed he had received offers from clubs in England and even from the A-League, but turned it down in pursuit of a new challenge in Singapore.

Having made the Socceroos’ World Cup squad, the decision to move to Singapore is a curious one.

But the 30-year-old has earned the opportunity to pursue a switch for financial reasons and could still venture down to the A-League at some stage in the future.

SWITZERLAND

Awer Mabil (Grasshopper Club Zurich)

The pacy winger will play in a seventh European country this season after signing a deal at Swiss side Grasshoppers.

The team is the most successful in Swiss history, but haven’t won the league in two decades and have struggled in recent years – finishing eighth and seventh in the last two seasons after returning to the top flight after a couple of years in the second division.

They’ve started the new campaign poorly with just one win and one draw from their first four games, meaning Mabil has a great opportunity to cement a spot in the line-up.

It is a much-needed move for the Aussie with 32 international caps and nine goals to his name. Having struggled for game time at Cadiz in Spain’s La Liga (six appearances), he moved to Czechia for the latter half of last season with Sparta Prague, but 15 of his 16 appearances came off the bench. He scored twice (both penalties) and added three assists.

Ahead of his 28th birthday next month, he’ll hope for regular minutes to return to top form. The deal is for two years with an option for a third.

QATAR

Trent Sainsbury (Al Wakrah)

Having been left out of the Socceroos squad for the World Cup, many felt it was the end of the road in the national team for 31-year-old Trent Sainsbury.

Whether he can force his way back into contention remains to be seen, but starting for Qatari side Al Wakrah will give him the best chance possible for that.

Sainsbury started and kept a clean sheet in his side’s Qatar Stars League opener against Muaither SC as Al Wakrah ran out 3-0 winners.

But no matter how often he plays in Qatar, Sainsbury has plenty of bodies in front of him if he is to return to the heart of the Socceroos backline.

Sainsbury’s last Socceroos match in September 2022.Source: Getty Images

WHO ELSE?

Left-back Brad Smith is in the USA for Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo, where he’s scored two goals in 15 appearances (all comps). But he’s struggling to lock in a spot in the first team and a recall to the Socceroos looks unlikely.

Meanwhile, Tom Rogic is without a club after leaving West Brom in May after a difficult season. He turned down an optional one-season extension on his contract and has not yet found a new club. It mirrors what happened 12 months ago, when he left Celtic but didn’t find a new club – West Brom – until September. This time around, the 30-year-old might look for an easier challenge, including a possible return down under.

Source link

August 25, 2023
Ange’s priority signing revealed… but it will cost him; Man Utd’s Kane back-up plan: Rumour Mill

Ange Postecoglou reportedly has a primary target ahead of his first season in charge at Tottenham, although it won’t come cheap.

Meanwhile, Manchester United is not giving up hope in landing Harry Kane but the Red Devils are also exploring alternative options up front.

Read on for the latest transfer rumours in the Premier League!

Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

Celtic pay touching tribute to Ange | 02:23

ANGE’S PRIORITY SPURS SIGNING… BUT IT WON’T COME CHEAP

Ange Postecoglou has reportedly identified his priority target ahead of the Australian’s first season as Tottenham head coach — but it will cost him a lot.

According to the UK’s Telegraph, Tottenham is expected to make a move for James Maddison, who will be sold by Leicester this summer after its relegation to the Championship.

Postecoglou is said to have given Tottenham “the green light” to make an offer this month for Madison, who has over a year left on his current contract.

However, the report claims that Leicester’s initial asking price is expected to be over £50 million ($A94m).

“Though there is an acceptance that Maddison can leave the club, Leicester are insisting that his market value is high due to a number of factors including his statistics, position and ‘homegrown’ status,” the report from the Telegraph states.

“After signing Maddison for a total £25 million from Norwich City in June 2018, there is also a 15 per cent sell-on clause from any profit which will go to his former club.”

TRANSFER CENTRE: Arsenal target’s exit; Liverpool sign World Cup winner

Ange Postecoglou has identified a priority target. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Postecoglou is set to implement his front-foot attacking football style at Tottenham once he takes over and Maddison would be a perfect fit, having impressed at the Foxes despite their struggles this past season.

Maddison had 10 goals and nine assists for Leicester and has also reportedly drawn interest from Newcastle United, further complicating Postecoglou’s potential pursuit of him.

Former Aston Villa player turned pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT this week that he believes Madison wouldn’t even want to join Tottenham though.

“He would want to go bigger than Spurs,” Agbonlahor said.

“If I am James Maddison, then I am not going to Spurs. That ship has sailed. They finished eighth, with no European football.

“James Maddison will look at Newcastle. Perfect fit for him. You can see him in that Newcastle side. Playing Champions League football. Better project than what’s happening at Spurs. They are going in a better direction.

“If I am James Maddison, then I am not choosing Spurs, even though he would suit them. They are crying out for a number ten.”

Milligan fully backs Ange as Spurs coach | 04:53

MAN UTD’S BACK-UP PLAN IF KANE DOESN’T LEAVE SPURS

Elsewhere, speaking of Tottenham, Manchester United is said to have come up with a list of strikers to target should it not be able to make a play for Harry Kane this summer.

A report from The Athleticclaims manager Erik Ten Hag “is said to feel United do have a genuine chance” of signing Kane, who is entering the final 12 months of his current contract.

As a result, Ten Hag reportedly is hoping United football director John Murtough will at least “test” the resolve of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

That may be difficult though given last year’s failed pursuit of Frenkie de Jong which dragged on and amounted to nothing, reportedly leaving United executives “bruised”.

Of course, then there is the matter of other teams expressing interest in Kane which only further muddies the waters, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea said to be interested.

Could Harry Kane be on the move? (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Madrid though may end up not being able to afford a play for the England captain after signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham on a £86 million ($A161m) deal.

Either way, if Levy decides against selling Kane it appears that United is prepared to look elsewhere for some much-needed strike up front.

“Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has let it be known he will not countenance selling the player to a Premier League rival,” the report from The Athletic claims.

“… If Levy sticks to his position, United would be prepared to wait until Kane is a free agent in 2024 — he is not expected to sign a contract extension at Spurs. Given the complications around Kane, United are exploring other centre-forward options.”

Atlanta’s Rasmus Hojlund is “prime among thoughts” according to the report, while Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani is another potential target.

“There has also been a check on Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, 21, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. United are aware of Dusan Vlahovic’s availability at Juventus, but the 23-year-old’s wages are significant,” the report adds.

Source link

June 9, 2023
‘Primary candidate’: Postecoglou ‘strongly considered’ for Spurs job after latest PL bombshell

Tottenham is “strongly considering” Ange Postecoglou as its next manager after their top candidate rejected an offer to leave a Dutch powerhouse.

Arne Slot, the manager of Feyenoord, was the leading contender ahead of Roberto De Zerbi and Luis Enrique but after holding talks with Spurs will remain in the Eredivisie, reports The Athletic.

“Spurs have been looking for a candidate who can institute cultural change at the club, bringing every aspect of the club back together and re-energising the style of play,” according to the report.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

“That has seen them turn away from some of the bigger-name candidates and instead look for a candidate who represents something close to what Mauricio Pochettino did when he arrived at Spurs in 2014. Pochettino himself was not approached this summer, and is now on the brink of taking over at Chelsea instead.”

Where will Ange end up next season? | 00:56

That has Aussie Postecoglou, recently named Scotland’s Manager of the Year for a second straight season after taking Celtic to another league title, as one of the “primary candidates” at Spurs according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney.

“While the feeling in the game had been that the Slot negotiations were close to the finish line, some figures with knowledge of the situation insist Spurs were still conducting discussions about a top list of targets. One of those is Postecoglou, who is being strongly considered, along with Sporting’s Ruben Amorim,” Delaney’s report stated.

“Daniel Levy would greatly value Luis Enrique but that is seen as more difficult to pull off given the Spanish coach’s list of demands when Chelsea interviewed him.

“Postecoglou has earned huge admirers in the game for his expansive and entertaining work at Celtic, and there is hope that any deal would be smoother to do than with Feyenoord due to good relationships between involved parties. The Australian is commonly seen as one of the most exciting managers in world football.”

Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Celtic, celebrates after winning the Cinch Scottish Premiership following the match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic FC at Tynecastle Park on May 07, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Postecoglou has spoken on multiple occasions about the growing interest in him from the Premier League.

“You think about it all,” the Melburnian said recently.

“When people say ‘he’s going to go down the road or somewhere else with the first offer he gets’ it’s not how I’m wired, it’s not how I think.

“For me, what it’s about is just trying to leave a mark wherever I am. I have done that with every football club I have been at. I want to do that at this football club and that is all that consumes me. I don’t think about the next step … or I need to go somewhere else … or I need to do this … or I need to consider other things. It is all there.

“You don’t go through life oblivious to it. It is not healthy to put the blinkers up and not know what is going on because that tests your desire to keep doing what you’re doing. If people are talking about my future or are interested in my future I will sit there and listen. It doesn’t mean I am going to jump at anything that comes my way. I am really passionate about what I do and the people close to me know what is most important to me, what drives me and what keeps me sort of happy in my role. I couldn’t be happier.”

Spurs sit eighth in the Premier League, facing the potential of no European football next season, and face relegation-threatened Leeds on the final day.

Celtic will play in the Champions League next season.

Source link

May 25, 2023
Socceroos gun Garang Kuol scores maiden goal in Scotland with last-gasp equaliser

Socceroos sensation Garang Kuol scored his first goal for Scottish club Heart of Midlothian overnight, the Australian youngster coming off the bench and netting a stoppage time equaliser against Rangers.

After a dream move to cashed-up Premier League side Newcastle, the 18-year-old talent has struggled for game time after a loan move to Hearts.

Today’s clash at Ibrox was just his eighth appearance – all bar one off the bench – and his first since the beginning of March.

But the gifted attacker’s reputation in Australia as a game-breaker off the bench was confirmed as he raced towards the box, firing a pass towards Josh Ginelly that bounced off defender Ryan Jack and fell fortunately back to Kuol.

The Aussie calmly poked the ball home with virtually the last kick of the game and raced away to celebrate with the Hearts’ fans, picking up a yellow card for doing so.

Ange named Scottish manager of the year | 01:12

Kuol is expected to be sent on another loan next season, likely somewhere in the United Kingdom, as he continues his development.

He has already appeared five times for the Socceroos since debuting in September, including two games off the bench during the World Cup, and opened his international scoring account in March against Ecuador.

Kuol wasn’t the only Australian to pick up a late equaliser in Scotland overnight, with 22-cap Socceroo Ryan McGowan scoring his first of the season for St Johnstone.

The centre-back prodded the ball home with his knee in the 95th minute for the Saints after a corner, ensuring a 3-3 draw away at Ross County.

MORE NEWS

Teen’s stunner ends City’s 12-game win streak as Seagulls seal best-ever PL finish

$224m star leads Gunners’ three-man wishlist; German ace in line for Man City reunion: Rumour Mill

Source link

May 24, 2023
‘You don’t get an easy ride’: Ange Postecoglou’s honest message to fringe players after Celtic defeat

Rangers dampened Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title celebrations by ending a six-game winless run against their Glasgow rivals with a 3-0 victory on Saturday.

Todd Cantwell, John Souttar and Fashion Sakala scored the goals as Michael Beale secured his first Old Firm win as Rangers boss.

“It’s been a tough season overall for the fans and that one today should send them home with a bit more oxygen and optimism for what it going to be an exciting summer at the football club,” said Beale.

“If we can bring that energy from the stands, I’ll push the boys on the pitch to bring the same energy and then next season we can give ourselves a big chance to do something we can really be proud of.”

Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

Rangers celebrate the win. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Celtic retained their title with four games to spare last weekend but defeat means Ange Postecoglou’s men now cannot set a new club record points tally.

The roles were reversed from previous meetings between the sides this season as Celtic paid for a slow start and a failure to take their chances.

“It was a disappointing day for us. We never really got going,” said Celtic boss Postecoglou, who gave some of his fringe players a chance to shine.

“We had a couple of really good opportunities to get back in the game and we let ourselves down in those areas.”

Postecoglou said the defeat served as a reminder to the fringe players.

“They just need to understand what this football club’s about, that’s the expectations,” he added.

“You don’t get an easy ride, you don’t get a cushy introduction into life as a footballer. It is demanding from the moment you put on a shirt to the moment you leave.

“It is fair to say it wasn’t just about the guys who came in. Obviously the changes didn’t help but I just thought the general performance, and the level of performance, wasn’t there.”

Ange Postecoglou spoke openly after the loss. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Cantwell smashed home the opener just five minutes in after Joe Hart parried John Lundstram’s fierce strike.

The visitors should have been level immediately as Oh Hyeon-gyu hit the post when one-on-one with Robby McCrorie.

Liel Abada also missed a glorious chance to equalise before Rangers doubled their lead through Souttar’s header from a corner.

McCrorie was making just his second appearance of the season with the youngster given his chance to stake a claim to be number one next season by Beale.

He could not have done his chances any harm as he produced another stunning save just after the break to prevent Matt O’Riley pulling a goal back.

A bad day for Postecoglou’s men was summed up 20 minutes from time when a calamitous mix-up between captain Callum McGregor and Carl Starfelt allowed Sakala to run clean through and round Hart before slotting into an empty net.

Todd Cantwell of Rangers FC celebrates after scoring. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Just Celtic’s second league defeat of the season sees the gap between the top two reduced to 10 points with three games remaining.

At the other end of the table, a Jordan White hat-trick lifted Ross County off the foot of the table at Dundee United’s expense with a 3-1 win at Tannadice.

Kilmarnock also boosted their survival hopes by beating Livingston 2-0. Motherwell are now mathematically safe after a 2-0 win at St. Johnstone lifted them up to seventh.

Source link

May 13, 2023
‘I’ve got the easy bit’: Question that left Ange fighting back tears after epic Celtic title triumph

Australian manager Ange Postecoglou delivered an emotional interview after his Celtic side secured back-to-back league titles with a 2-0 win over Heart of Midlothian.

Postecoglou claimed two trophies in his maiden campaign – a remarkable achievement given they had finished 25 points behind Rangers and won no other silverware in the season before he arrived.

This season, Postecoglou has matched his two trophies from last year, with another cup final still to come next month.

The 57-year-old was full of pride in his players as he spoke to Sky Sports on the field after the match.

Postecoglou said: “We’ve got a great opportunity to make this season really special. Like I’ve said, we’ve worked hard to get to this point. It’s great to win the two trophies and now, you know what? We want to win a third.

“I want to win it for the players, I want it for this football club, for the staff. It’s a reflection, I think, of the team they’ve been this year.”

Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Postecoglou and Celtic claim Premiership | 02:33

Asked about his personal pride in the achievement, Postecoglou fought back the tears in an emotional display: “Yeah absolutely. Plenty of people in my circle make sacrifices. My family, my kids. Like I said, I’ve got the easy bit. I’m doing what I love.

“They’re the ones that are a constant support. Not just my family, my friends here, in Australia.

“The whole football club really embraced me from day one. For that, I take pride that I’m able to sort of give something back.”

‘Absolutely ridiculous’: Ange’s Celtic conquers league again … and it wasn’t even close

The reporter noted Postecoglou’s visible emotion, with the Australian replying: “It’s not easy. You have to put everything into this. It’s a great responsibility. Any manager knows the responsibility you bear, but particularly at this football club.

“It takes a hell of a lot to get to the point where we are, massive effort from everyone. You do get emotional because you understand what’s gone into it.”

The manager paid tribute to his team with the humble claim that he had the ‘easy bit of just watching these guys’ as they chase the treble.

He said: “It’s a daily thing. And as I said we won it last year and there’s always a danger that maybe guys get ahead of themselves or complacent. And the first time we got back in pre-season, I had a real target to be stronger this year and be a better side.

“And they’ve done it every day. And as I say they’ve just been relentless in their approach and it’s a credit to the staff and players.

“I’ve had the easy bit of just watching these guys maintain a ridiculous standard of football and a fantastic commitment to this football club.”

Arsenal keep hopes alive in title race | 01:17

Source link

May 8, 2023
‘Absolutely ridiculous’: Ange’s Celtic conquers league again… and it wasn’t even close

Celtic clinched the Scottish Premiership title on Sunday as Kyogo Furuhashi and Oh Hyeon-gyu netted in a 2-0 win at 10-man Hearts.

The victory secured the title with four games to spare for Ange Postecoglou’s men, who are on course for a domestic treble of trophies.

The Hoops have now won 11 titles in 12 years and could yet end the season by surpassing their record points tally of 106.

“I’m just really proud of this group of players and staff. They’ve maintained an absolutely ridiculous standard this year. They are relentless in their approach,” said Postecoglou.

“Having success last year, you always worry as a manager – are they going to be as hungry?

“From the first day, they haven’t let up and it’s a credit to every single one of them.”

Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada of Celtic celebrate.Source: Getty Images

Gunners keep title race alive with Brazilian brilliance in huge Magpies test: PL Wrap

Celtic were not at their sparkling best at Tynecastle, but Hearts were left with a mountain to climb when Alex Cochrane was sent off just before halftime.

Cochrane clipped Daizen Maeda as the Japanese international bore down on goal, but it took a VAR review for referee Nick Walsh to show the red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

The visitors took their time to make the man advantage count, but it was fitting that Kyogo should score the decisive goal in winning Celtic a 53rd Scottish title.

The Japanese striker prodded home his 30th goal of the season and 50th for the club from Reo Hatate’s cross 23 minutes from time.

Kyogo injured himself in the act of scoring but his replacement Oh came on to make sure of the points.

Ange Postecoglou has won four of the five domestic trophies on offer since his arrival – and another could come next month.Source: Getty Images

The South Korean international cushioned Aaron Mooy’s cross into the far corner for his fourth goal since arriving in January.

Celtic could also surpass a club record of 116 goals in a league season after reaching 105 with four games to spare.

“I think we can get there,” said Celtic captain Callum McGregor, who has now won 18 major honours.

“We are certainly on the right track but we need to keep going.

“You get over the line, you get more experience, you want to do it again and in more style. I feel like we’ve done that this season.”

Besides Mooy, who picked up his assist after coming on as a substitute, two other Australians were in action – Hearts starters Kye Rowles and Cam Devlin. Nathaniel Atkinson was an unused substitute and young loanee Garang Kuol did not make the Hearts squad.

Hearts’ hopes of finishing third behind the Old Firm were at least aided by Rangers’ 1-0 win over Aberdeen.

Todd Cantwell scored the only goal at Ibrox to cut Celtic’s lead at the top to 13 points.

Aberdeen remain five points ahead of Hearts after their first defeat in eight games.

Source link

May 7, 2023

1 2
Next Page

Sports Buzz

Blog
About
FAQs
Authors

Events
Shop
Patterns
Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress