Socceroos coach Graham Arnold admits he's in the dark about Celtic's decision to omit Tom Rogic from their Europa League squad.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Arnold has named the midfielder in a 24-man squad for next week's crucial World Cup qualifier against Jordan, in what will be Rogic's first appearance for his country since January.
Rogic played a key role in the Bhoys' 5-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win last weekend but was a notable exclusion from Celtic's squad to face Lazio in Rome on Thursday (Friday AEDT).
As far as Arnold is concerned Rogic remains available to line up for the Socceroos in Amman next Thursday (Friday 0200 AEDT).
"All the information we've got, Tom is ready to play," Arnold said.
"He's been playing great ... if there's any pull-outs over the weekend, we will have to replace them."
Rogic is one of six players named in the squad who didn't feature in the wins over Nepal and Taiwan last month.
Defenders Trent Sainsbury and Josh Risdon are back, along with veteran goalkeeper Adam Federici, Scottish-born winger Martin Boyle and uncapped midfielder Kenny Dougall.
Boyle, who has also just returned to action after a recurring knee injury, won't start, with Arnold likely to have Adam Taggart leading the attack with Jamie Maclaren unavailable due to a hamstring tear.
Captain Mark Milligan and Mustafa Amini were both omitted due to injury while Mitch Langerak has been overlooked to allow Arnold and his staff to have a look at Federici.
Experienced winger Mathew Leckie's availability is also in doubt due to the impending birth of his second child, meaning Arnold has named an extra player in his squad.
An ankle injury to Massimo Luongo has also opened up a spot for Dougall, who has impressed Arnold in his performances for English Championship club Barnsley in recent weeks.
Australia head into the clash two points clear of Jordan on top of Group B with three wins from three.
A victory in Amman would put the Socceroos in the box seat for the automatic qualifying spot to the next phase, but Jordan have been a bogey team in recent years for Australia.
An opening match 1-0 defeat to the Jordanians at January's Asian Cup was Australia's third loss in five matches with the Middle East nation.
"The past is the past, we can't help the past," Arnold said.
"There's only four or five players that were in the last game that played in Jordan. The coaching staff is new.
"We will set our focus on what we have to do to win this game ... the weather's going to be beautiful, the pitch beautiful, so no excuses."
SOCCEROOS SQUAD (one to be omitted): Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Milos Degenek, Kenny Dougall, Adam Federici, Apostolos Giannou, Craig Goodwin, Rhyan Grant, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, James Jeggo, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Aaron Mooy, Andrew Redmayne, Josh Risdon, Mat Ryan, Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury, Brad Smith, Harry Souttar, Adam Taggart, Bailey Wright.
Australian Associated Press
