The Socceroos went above Asian pair Japan and South Korea following Australia’s performances at the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Australia drew with fourth ranked Chile (who have dropped to seventh) and 32nd ranked Cameroon (who have dropped to 36th), while they lost to world number one Germany 3-2.

Included also in the rankings is Australia’s 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia and the 4-0 loss to Brazil.

The ranking is Australia’s highest since being 44th in January.

Despite the rise, Milligan’s proposed move to English Championship club Bolton is unlikely to go, due to the Socceroo being unable to obtain a British work permit.

Milligan needed Australia’s FIFA Ranking over the past two years to not be above 50.

Will MIlligan end up back at Melbourne Victory?

The Socceroos’ average ranking in 2017 is below 50, but the side was ranked in high 50s and 60s in 2015, leading to an average above 50 over the past two years.

If Australia was ranked inside the top 50 (between 31-50), Milligan would be required to have played 75% or above of the Socceroos games.

Milligan has played 20 of the 23 Australia games in the past two years, easily achieving that qualification.

The Australian defender/midfielder also had reported interest from Champoinship club Birmingham City and Burton Albion but the work permit issue will likely end that.

The out-of-contract 31-year-old’s agent Buddy Farah is understood to be working on options for Milligan.

Farah has strong links in Denmark and Portugal having brokered deals for Mustafa Amini, Awer Mabil and Dylan McGowan in recent times.