IF Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has any doubts whether the youngsters he is throwing into the deep-end of international football are buying into his philosophy, he need only look at the side that played against Saudi Arabia.
Four of them could have been playing for other national teams, but they chose to play for Australia and Postecoglou.
Massimo Luongo is eligible to play for Italy, as is Josh Brillante. Chris Herd could have played for Scotland, and the side’s newest, and youngest, player Brad Smith has already represented England at Under 17, 18 and 20 youth level.
Yet, asked if he would have committed to England’s senior side if they had called first, 20-year-old Smith gives an emphatic “no”.
Likewise Herd, who said in the days leading up to his debut against Belgium, “I’m grateful to be here, grateful to the manager for the call-up. I’m just looking to re-pay his faith in me and do my best for the country.”
Immediately after the game he told reporters it was “an honour and a privilege” to be part of the side.
It is a common refrain when talking to the young breed who have the potential to follow in the sprig marks of the golden boys like Kewell, Viduka and co who took Australia to the 2006 World Cup.
Perhaps it is because Postecoglou’s aggressive, front-foot style of play suits their youthful zest, but the latest crop of Socceroos seems to have done more than just buy into the coach’s philosophy. They have leapt at it with almost religious zeal.
After the match against Saudi Arabia, Trent Sainsbury spoke of Postecoglou talking to the boys at meal time and, “the hair on the back of your neck standing up.”
While injuries to more experienced players have in some cases forced Postecoglou to bring the “newbies” along faster than he may have liked, the recent two-match friendly series against Belgium and Saudi Arabia has been part of a master-plan to have them hardened and ready for January’s Asian Cup and beyond.
Four players, Herd 25, Sainsbury 22, Bailey Wright 21 and Smith, made their debuts during the series. Midfielder Luongo, 21, was given his first start against the Saudis, after impressing in a 20 minute cameo against Belgium.
While it may not have been reflected on the scoreboards, Postecoglou says the progress made by the youngsters has made it more than worth the effort and expense.
“I said leading into these two games I wanted to widen the pool because I still think we are pretty shallow in areas,” he said.
“Guys like particularly Mass Luongo, Chrissy Herd, Trent Sainsbury, they’ve all put cases forward to be part of it. Josh Brillante was outstanding tonight, especially in that first half.”
Wherever possible Postecoglou intends to play his youngsters alongside the more experienced players until they are ready to take their places. The plan came unstuck at the back against the Saudis when 30 year-old defender Alex Wilkinson limped off after less than five minutes, and was replaced by Sainsbury.
“We can’t win a trick,” Postecoglou said.
“That was a pretty inexperienced back four we had which wasn’t the plan, but it will help with their education.”
Up front the youth and experience policy was more successful.
After just three minutes 34-year-old Tim Cahill got the ball on the halfway and put 22-year-old Oar away with a perfect long ball. Mathew Leckie, 22, and Luongo were both involved before Cahill scored the 35th goal of his international career.
“These young players coming in are really bringing something to the side,” Cahill said.
“It’s all about learning to have confidence in each other, and creating opportunities for each other.
“Tommy Oar was fantastic tonight, and Massimo was great. They were having a go, trying things. I spent a lot of time this week talking to the youngsters, telling them to believe in themselves.
“I’m really positive. Whether I play or don’t play, I think this group of kids is just really, really promising and that’s what I see. I can see the future and it’s good.”
source: perthnow.com.au

















