Ever since Craig Moore announced his initial retirement from international football the Australian national team has been plagued by the question of who will fill the vacant centre-back position. Unfortunately, no real action has been taken to solve the problem. Over eighteen months has since passed - which happened to include a World Cup as well as the return and second retirement of Moore - and yet we still find ourselves without an obvious replacement.
With another major tournament approaching, one which has been identified as Australia's greatest opportunity for prestigious silverware and will be treated as such, decisions must be made. It's these decisions which must be mindful that high-pressure situations are the best environments for breeding young players.
I don't think anyone would disagree with me when I say that it's been far too long persisting with the likes of Jade North and Jon McKain as Socceroos. Neither have ever been more than solid club and international performers. Michael Thwaite can be grouped in a similar boat although I'm not as disappointed with his selection to face Egypt due to his recent good form.
Now, as for the real contenders for the position...
Sasa Ognenovksi has just received his first call-up from Osieck after continued success for Seongnam and will come into calculations for the Asian Cup. It's quite possible that 'Ogga' could shift in alongside Lucas for the tournament and put in a solid performance utilising his experience of Asian football. Beyond the Cup, however, I see his potential impact on the squad as limited. Good form should always be recognised but he's now 31-years-old at a time when youth desperately needs a chance to develop.
I would suggest that, if fit, Matthew Spiranovic would be a better option to take the on the responsibility. I have promoted his name before as the future for Australia and I still him as the obvious choice. If Spiranovic can manage to pick up a few more minutes for Gamba in the lead up to the Asian Cup he would have to be a shoe-in as a squad member at the very least. There's no doubt in my mind that he's good enough to perform as a starter during the Cup as well as having a real chance to become a decorated Socceroo.
Patrick Kisnorbo is one who may have already made this blog redundant if it weren't for injury. The Leeds man had his World Cup prospects ruined by injury when it was likely that he would have been first-choice. It would be ironic if he can manage to make his international comeback in the very same tournament that looked to have damaged his chances of a long career in the Green and Gold. A longer than expected layoff will probably ensure that doesn't happen, forcing Paddy to have to find form in a rather dodgy Leeds defence to push his case. If he can do that within a reasonable timeframe I'd put him second in line behind Spiranovic for filling the position post Asian Cup.
Rhys Williams is another whose World Cup dream was ruined by injury. The 22-year-old has strong claims to the vacancy after his solid performances pre-World Cup. However, Williams' chances of partnering Lucas Neill may be dependant on whether he finds a more suitable role to the benefit of himself and the 'Roos in a defensive midfield position, where he impressed for Middlesborough last season. Hopefully the youngster will get his chance under new 'Boro manager Tony Mowbray, in whichever position that may be. Perhaps we will even see Williams link up with Matt Spiranovic in the centre of defence once Lucas departs the international scene; what a dream partnership of two of Australia's brightest young players that would be!
Last in the crop most probable is Ersan Gulum. He's in an all too worryingly familiar position for Australian football fans: talented young player with dual heritage is courted by another nation and the Socceroos miss out. I don't know whether it's more exciting that he's only 23, getting game time for Besiktas or that he can play at left-fullback but I what I do know is that Holger should be doing anything and everything to convince him that Australia is the best option. I would love to see him included in the Asian Cup squad as defensive cover. Even securing Gulum beyond the tournament would suffice so fingers are firmly crossed that some form of contact has been made. Securing his allegiances would be a big tick next to the name of Holger Osieck.
Outsiders to get a gig would include the likes of Shane Lowry, Mark Milligan and Adrian Madaschi. The trio would all be at long odds - besides maybe Lowry - despite the raft of injuries the Socceroos are dealing with. Lowry needs first-team action, Milligan needs a move and Madaschi requires exposure for his work.
Looking at the Asian Cup, I am still hopeful that Osieck will show some degree of creativity with his selections, even if that is only installing Matthew Spiranovic as first-choice alongside Lucas Neill. I agree with those calling for Australia to treat the tournament as a must-win occasion, however, chances for the next generation can still be offered. Beyond the Asian Cup we can expect to see more of the names mentioned integrated into the squad. Much has been made of Australia's lack of youth talent pressing for positions but I see each and every one of these players as an example of the depth that is around, it just needs harvesting.
