Advertisement

Introducing the next captain of Australia

Mile Jedinak is expected to be named Socceroos captain today for the team’s World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will make the announcement at the team’s training base at Gosford on the Central Coast.

Jedinak was given the captain’s armband for the Socceroos’ friendly against Ecuador and will retain the job for the World Cup, taking over from long-time skipper Lucas Neill who is not part of the squad.

The 29-year-old midfielder is recovering from a groin injury following a stellar season captaining Crystal Palace to 11th place in the English Premier League.

Jedinak was this week ranked the 33rd best player in the world on WhoScored.com’s rankings of the best players from the top five European leagues.

Postecoglou was in awe of Jedinak’s performance for Crystal Palace over the past season.

Until he came off with a groin strain in the 59th minute of the final match of the year, Jedinak had played every minute in Palace’s season.

Postecoglou has no concerns about Jedinak recovering from the groin strain to play a leading role for the Socceroos in Brazil.

The Socceroos face the toughest of draws in the World Cup, having been placed in the same group as defending champions Spain, 2010 runners-up Netherlands and world-number-13 Chile.

They play their first match against Chile on June 14 (AEST).

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.