Mooy magic a boost for Socceroos

Aug 14, 2017 - 8:06 AM Aaron Mooy's seamless step up to the Premier League should bolster the confidence of the Socceroos as they approach their two biggest matches in recent memory.

Coach Ange Postecoglou will on Tuesday name a 30-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Japan and Thailand, which will go a long way to determining Australia's 2018 World Cup fate.

Mooy will be one of the first names picked after making a terrific start to life in England's top division with Huddersfield Town at the weekend, helping set up two goals in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Plenty of other Socceroos were in action over the weekend for their club sides - but not injured captain Mile Jedinak.

Jedinak hasn't played club football since April and is still recovering from the same groin problem that ruled him out of the Confederations Cup.

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce told reporters over the weekend that Jedinak would return to fitness in around 10 days.

With the squad to be trimmed back to 23 players next week, Postecoglou has scope to pick Jedinak and track his progress over the coming days before making a final call.

Elsewhere, Mat Ryan impressed in goal as Brighton and Hove Albion made their English Premier League debut, despite losing to powerhouses Manchester City.

Jackson Irvine scored but was sent off for Burton Albion, with a resulting ban to cost him valuable game-time ahead of the qualifiers.

Bailey Wright and Massimo Luongo both managed 90 minutes on the weekend, as did Danny Vukovic and Tommy Oar at their new European clubs.

Tom Rogic has yet to start for Celtic in the league this season but enjoyed a full runout in the Scottish League Cup.

Mustafa Amini and Robbie Kruse played full matches with their clubs, with Jamie Maclaren, Brandon Borrello and Alex Gersbach playing substitute roles.

Brad Smith has yet to play this season for AFC Bournemouth which could affect his selection.

Defedners Ivan Franjic and Connor Chapman have started the K-League season well and could also be named in the longlist.

Postecoglou is considered unlikely to spring any major selection surprises and will rely almost entirely on European and Asian-based players.

The only domestic players expected to be named are stalwarts Mark Milligan and Tim Cahill.

The Socceroos, currently third in Group B, need at least four points to ensure direct qualification to Russia without relying on other results.

They face the Samurai Blue in Saitama on August 31 and then take on Thailand five days later at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Source: AAP