Kruse ready for bigger role

Having started the past two Qantas Socceroo internationals, Robbie Kruse is hoping to extend his run in Holger Osieck’s starting side for the crucial qualifier against Jordan.

Having started the past two Qantas Socceroo internationals, Robbie Kruse is hoping to extend his run in Holger Osieck-s starting side for the crucial qualifier against Jordan.

The 23-year-old has played a cameo role in seven of Australia-s eight FIFA World Cup qualifiers this campaign but has found form and significant game time in green and gold in recent months.

Kruse started for the Qantas Socceroos for the first time in Scotland last month before lining up again from the opening whistle in Beirut last week.

Also regularly contributing for club side Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany-s Bundesliga, Kruse is enjoying a watershed period of his young career and is ready to ignite Australia-s FIFA World Cup push.

“All 23 players in the squad want to be a starter in the team, that-s what we do, we play football because obviously we want to play and playing for your national team is a massive honour,” Kruse said.

“I started the last two games and if the boss gives me the nod to play again, I-ll be thrilled with it, in the end it-s all about us qualifying, whether it-s me playing or anyone else, as long as we get the three points, that-s all that matters.

“It-s come to the point where it-s vital for us to get the three points, it-s going to be a tough test for us as well, the conditions are hard and Jordan are going to be a tough team to play against.”

While the likes of Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer provide the Qantas Socceroos with valued experience, Kruse is representative of the long-term future of the national team.

Fellow Bundesliga talent Nikita Rukavytsya, 25, was another starter against Lebanon, while 23-year-old-s Adam Sarota and James Holland were introduced from the bench in the second half.

Though Australia-s line up is loaded with players with significant international experience, the future is bright for the Qantas Socceroos according to arguably their brightest current prospect.

“Obviously it-s spoken about that the golden generation is passing over but there-s plenty of young players around,” Kruse said.

“It depends, some players are playing in their first teams, it-s always difficult to establish yourself in Europe and sometimes it takes a couple of years.

“There-s enough talent out there and, hopefully players can keep developing and playing for their club teams and hopefully that translates with the national team.

“We-ve still got a fairly good blend of youth and experience here so, hopefully it can keep going.”

The Qantas Socceroos resume their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign against Jordan in Amman, at 7pm on Tuesday, 11 September (2am AEST, Wednesday, 12 September).

The Qantas Socceroos return to Australia in 2013, for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman at Sydney-s Stadium Australia at 7.30pm, Tuesday, 26 March, followed by Iraq, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 18 June.

Tickets for both matches at Stadium Australia are on sale now through Ticketek or via phone, 132 849.