Duo keen to nail down starting spots

Two of Australia’s most versatile footballers are hoping to pin down a niche role in Tuesday’s clash with Oman at Stadium Australia.

Two of Australia-s most versatile footballers are hoping to pin down a niche role in Tuesday-s clash with Oman at Stadium Australia.

Much of the value Mark Milligan and Rhys Williams bring to the Qantas Socceroo set up is their ability to play a variety of roles, but each would trade their flexibility for a permanent starting berth in Holger Osieck-s first choice eleven.

“This week we-ll get an indication of what he (Osieck) is thinking,” said Milligan, who has accumulated 19 senior international caps, the most recent of which was from the bench against Romania last month.

“Since I-ve been back in the Qantas Socceroos, he-s mainly been calling me back in as a midfielder.

“There-s also plenty of centre backs here in the camp, we-ll just have to wait and see what happens.

“Every time we come into camp, especially after a good result last time, last game, against Iraq, the feeling is positive and it-s a good atmosphere at the moment.”

Fellow utility Williams, most often deployed in defence when playing for Australia, is hoping the absence of several key players - highlighted by captain Lucas Neill-s suspension - will allow him a chance to build upon his promising international career.

As captain of English Championship side Middlesbrough, Williams has endured an indifferent season, where injury and form have restricted the 24-year-old to just 16 appearances this campaign.

For the Qantas Socceroos, however, Williams continues to show promise and is held in high regard by many as a long-term central defensive solution for his country.

“It-s a big game for us, it-s a must win and obviously we expect to win as well,” Williams said.

“There-s a lot of good players here and obviously I never take my spot for granted, I-m just happy to be in the squad and then we-ll kick on from there.

“A lot comes down to training, so hopefully I can train well over the next week and we-ll see how it goes from there.

“It has been a bit difficult this season; I think I-ve played seven or eight positions, it-s nice to get to know the game in different positions and perspectives, sometimes it can be a worry because I want to settle - hopefully I can settle soon.”


The Qantas Socceroos- road to Brazil recommences on Tuesday, 26 March at Sydney-s Stadium Australia with a crucial clash against Oman. Kick off is at 7.30pm AEDT.

Tickets for this match are available from www.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets