Socceroos fans vented their frustrations as AFC Bournemouth defender Brad Smith was selected in Ange Postecoglou's final 23-man squad for Australia's crucial World Cup play-off with Syria.
Smith, 23, copped plenty of criticism for his performance against Japan in Australia's 2-0 loss to their AFC rivals in last month's qualifier in Saitama.
The full-back had only just played his first minutes for his club since February, and many questioned his selection in the squad.
But Socceroos boss Postecoglou has stuck by Smith once again, with Rosenborg defender Alex Gersbach left out of the squad for the Syria tie completely, reportedly due to a small injury. However, Gersbach was included in his side's squad for their clash on the weekend.
Socceroos fans took to social media to vent their frustrations at the selection on Wednesday, with the crucial two-legged World Cup play-off with Syria coming in just two weeks.
Love ya Ange but if you're willing to make an exception for club football for Brad Smith, you can make the same exception for Alex Gersbach.
— Andrew (@andrew_54) September 27, 2017
But neither has Brad Smith ?? https://t.co/CofCQvr6ux
— Josh (@joshrobbo44) September 27, 2017
Postecoglou saying that Gersbach wasn't selected because of a lack of football recently. He's selected Brad Smith though... 🤔
— Hügø (@VersitileRhyan) September 27, 2017
Many times we sat through Matt McKay getting picked in the NT, yet Brad Smith getting picked perplexes me alot more. #Socceroos
— Kieran L (@kieran_shaker) September 27, 2017
How on earth does Brad Smith keep getting picked? #socceroos
— Lachlan Phillips (@lachie87) September 27, 2017
How brad smith is in the squad ahead of Gersbach is one of the great mysteries of this century (unless he's injured) #socceroos
— Marc Sudholz (@marc014) September 27, 2017
It's hard for Ange given how little some of his players play for their clubs, but the constant inclusion of Smith confuses me. #Socceroos
— Matthew Galea (@mg91) September 27, 2017
Gersbach wasn't selected due to 'lack of game time', but Smith was selected when he's played more min for Socceroos than his own club. ?????
— stells (@_EstelleAmaliaa) September 27, 2017
Smith over Gersbach in the squad? Ange mate, stop it.
— Josh Howe (@JoshO567) September 27, 2017
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