[Image: Mark Nolan/Getty Images]
Caltex Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has recalled Queenslanders Robbie Kruse and Mitch Langerak for crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Adelaide and Sydney later this month.
Brisbane-born Kruse – a former Queensland Academy of Sport graduate – and Emerald product Langerak, who grew up in Bundaberg, both return to the squad following injury layoffs.
“It’s great to be able to bring experienced players like Robbie Kruse, Mitch Langerak and Matthew Spiranovic back into the squad after missing recent matches but it is equally exciting to see how a fresh crop of young players can fit into how we train and what we are trying to achieve,” Postecoglou said.
“We’ve worked hard on creating depth over the last two years and we now have a very solid and experienced spine to this team but we must also continually give players an opportunity if we want to make an impact on the world stage.
“This squad contains a group of young players who we are bringing in while they are in form and taking good strides forward both here in the Hyundai A-League and various leagues around the world.
“Getting that balance between winning football matches and giving players an opportunity is something we have been doing for two years and during that time we have had success and haven’t been let down by any of the young players.”
Ange eyes ‘next level’ for @CaltexAustralia @socceroos –https://t.co/1yzl4PVf6w pic.twitter.com/tkc7ShdZw4
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 9, 2016
The Caltex Socceroos go into the final two matches in this stage of FIFA World Cup Qualifying on top of Group B and will progress to the next round if they finish on top of Group B or finish as one of the best four second-placed teams from the eight groups.
The Caltex Socceroos matches against Tajikistan (Adelaide) and Jordan (Sydney) will be broadcast exclusively LIVE on FOX SPORTS and on a one hour delay on SBS.
Tickets for the Australia v Tajikistan match in Adelaide and the Australia v Jordan match in Sydney are available at www.socceroos.com.au/tickets