Panos Armenakas

Just 19 and touted as an eventual star since he was six years old, Panos currently plays for Tubize in the Belgian League, on loan from Udinese. Named by The Guardian in 2015 as one of the best 50 young players in the world, great things are expected of him. Yet another skilful winger, he is another needing more senior game time but very likely to be a Socceroo. On the plane to Russia? 3/10

Jamie MacLaren

At the top of the A-League scoring charts two years running which got him a transfer to Darmstadt 98 in the German 2.Bundesliga. Hasn’t set the world on fire at that level (five appearances for no goals according to Wikipedia) and is yet to nail down a permanent starting role, which he must do if he expects to be seriously considered at the Socceroo selection table. Has proved himself as a regular goal scorer at A-League level but if he can learn to do that against those stingy German defences (as Mat Leckie is now doing) will become a serious contender for the Socceroos number nine shirt. On the plane to Russia? 6/10

Ajdin Hrustic

21 years old and playing in the Eredivisie for FC Groningen. Hasn’t had a lot of game time yet in Holland but is very highly regarded and was in the Confederations Cup squad without getting a start. Did make an appearance in the pre-tournament loss to Brazil but also needs game time to confirm his status as a budding Socceroo. On the plane to Russia? 5/10

Gol Gol Mebrahtu

Was always a player of obvious talent in the A-League, without ever showing the consistency needed to be taken seriously as a Socceroos contender (or even as a regular starter in the A-League). Now playing in the Czech league he is playing and scoring regularly. Trouble is, the Czech league is one of the less visible Euro leagues so it isn’t easy to properly assess his improvement. Needs to go to a better league to be a genuine contender but does seem to have found some consistency in front of goal. On the plane to Russia? 3/10

Kwame Yeboah

Only 23 and starting to become a seriously good player for Borussia Munchengladbach II in the regional league. He got 10 goals in 28 appearances in 2016/17 but needs to be playing at a higher level. Didn’t play long in the A-League but what he did do was score a couple of spectacular goals which many people still talk about. Like so many other young players, has heaps of ability – just needs to take it to the next level. On the plane to Russia? 4/10

Some of these players, I have no doubt, will be in the squad for Russia. There are seven months to go with the best part of a season to play, so anyone among the incumbents could lose form or get injured, and any of the bolters could suddenly find form. There is some exciting talent in the wings for the Socceroos but the time to start performing is right now.

The reward could hardly be bigger.

Adrian’s latest book The Fighting Man is in the shops right now or available through Booktopia. Adrian also wrote Political Football: Lawrie McKinna’s Dangerous Truth and Mr Cleansheets.