Melbourne Victory striker Robbie Kruse could find himself in action for the Qantas Socceroos as early as next week as Australian coach Holger Osieck steps up his preparation for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
Melbourne Victory striker Robbie Kruse could find himself in action for the Qantas Socceroos as early as next week as Australian coach Holger Osieck steps up his preparation for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
Speaking from Zurich on Tuesday evening, Osieck said Australia’s January 5 friendly clash with the United Arab Emirates in Dubai would be a good chance for him to see how the fringe players in his squad step up to the plate.
And, the Qantas Socceroos boss confirmed that the league’s joint top scorer Kruse – one of just four Hyundai A-League players in the squad – was a very good chance to start as fellow striker Scott McDonald may need more time to adapt to the conditions after coming from a frigid Europe.
“It is likely, yeah that he’s going to play, yes,” said Osieck when asked if Kruse would be used against the UAE.
“The English-based players, they have a very heavy schedule over Christmas and New Year.”
“They have to acclimatise to local conditions and I think it will be a great opportunity to see some of the other players, have an idea what they can do for the team when they are needed.”
Should Kruse play, Osieck has no doubt the star 22-year-old, who was given the nod ahead of the overseas-based Nikita Rukavytsya and Tommy Oar in the 23-man squad, has the maturity and ability to match it with some tough opponents at international level.
“I don’t care where they are playing, I just care how they are playing,” said Osieck.
“Robbie, I have seen him a couple of times and he so far has had a pretty good season and he’s scored a number of goals.”
“He plays a good role for the Victory and why not give him the opportunity to show if he is already in the position to make the same (thing) happen in the Socceroos team.”
After a controversial time at his old club Brisbane, Kruse said the help of his Melbourne Victory team-mates helped turn everything around.
“I’ve really improved my attitude and stuff off the field and the players at Melbourne Victory have to get a lot of credit for that,” Kruse said.
“Guys like Kevin Muscat and Archie Thompson, the experienced players there have really helped me turn my life around.”
“I wasn’t really expecting to get in the squad, especially with most of the overseas-based players getting chosen, but it’s a massive honour and privilege.”
“Hopefully I can grab my opportunity and do my part and do well in the training camp.”
“Every player has dreams and I’m no different and you have to be confident in your ability and I think I can always get to a higher level.”
“So this is the next stepping stone and hopefully I can have a big impression on Holger and the rest of the team and put my best foot forward and anything can happen.”
