Emerton Stars in Socceroos 3-1 Win

Sydney FC midfielder Brett Emerton played an integral role in the Qantas Socceroos’ 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia in a World Cup Qualifier in Dammam with a polished 90 minutes performance this morning.

Sydney FC midfielder Brett Emerton played an integral role in the Qantas Socceroos- 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia in a World Cup Qualifier in Dammam with a polished 90 minutes performance this morning.

Emerton and the Socceroos bounced back brilliantly from the 2-1 victory over an unlucky Thailand last Friday with a dominant display, which leaves them with a 100 per cent record at the top of Group D after two matches.

Emerton played in his familiar wide role on the right hand side of the midfield and, along with right fullback Luke Wilkshire, returned to their damaging best with numerous raids down the sideline.

The post-match plaudits fell to striker Josh Kennedy for his two-goal haul but the Socceroos were well served all over the park, especially Brett Holman and Michael Zullo.

Zullo was drafted into the squad at left fullback by Coach Holger Osieck, which allowed Matt McKay to play in his preferred left midfield role and Holman to sit just behind Kennedy.

The bold move, which included leaving Tim Cahill on the bench, gave the Socceroo side considerably more balance and allowed Emerton and Wilkshire more space on the right hand side.

Emerton will now return to England, where he will attend to private matters and is expected to arrive in Australia, along with his family towards the end of next week.

The former Blackburn Rovers star is expected to make his Sydney FC debut against Peth Glory in a Pre Season friendly match at WIN Jubilee Kogarah on 24 September - which doubles as the annual Sydney FC Fan Day.