JACOB Burns' professionalism and preparation has earned praise after he stepped into Jason Culina's shoes with just three hours notice ahead of Australia's 1-0 win over Uzbekistan.
Culina was one of a number of Australian players laid low by a stomach bug on the day of the match and was forced to pull out of the game.
That left Australia without its two midfield anchors, Culina and Vince Grella, and Burns with just a few hours to prepare himself to play alongside Carl Valeri.
Verbeek said it spoke volumes for Burns' professional attitude that he was able to perform so well in the match with so little time to prepare.
"It was a little bit unlucky to lose Jason on the day of the game. We had not time to do tactical training. I think Jake Burns deserves a big compliment from everybody," Verbeek told reporters after the game.
"He heard at five in the afternoon that he had to play without any real training in that position. I think he did a great job for the team."
That left Australia without its two midfield anchors, Culina and Vince Grella, and Burns with just a few hours to prepare himself to play alongside Carl Valeri.
Verbeek said it spoke volumes for Burns' professional attitude that he was able to perform so well in the match with so little time to prepare.
"It was a little bit unlucky to lose Jason on the day of the game. We had not time to do tactical training. I think Jake Burns deserves a big compliment from everybody," Verbeek told reporters after the game.
"He heard at five in the afternoon that he had to play without any real training in that position. I think he did a great job for the team."
Related Articles
Socceroos midfielder embraces move to England
Cardiff City snap up sought-after Socceroos starlet
