A-League the backbone of Socceroos side

Nov 16, 2017 - 1:51 AM Move over golden generation. The A-League generation has arrived.

The roots of the Socceroos team that is now basking in the glory of World Cup qualification can be traced back to Australia's domestic competition.

Of the 14 players who were involved in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Honduras, 13 of them have featured in the A-League at some point.

For most of them, it was where they got their start in professional football.

The one that didn't - Bailey Wright - was overlooked by Melbourne Victory as a youth team player.

Crowds and TV ratings might be down, and wider interest in the A-League might not be at the same level as it was a few years ago.

But Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi believes it is doing its core job of developing future Socceroos - and doing it well.

"I was fortunate enough to coach Aziz Behich (at Melbourne Heart) and I remember telling him if he wants to be a national team player he's got every opportunity at left-back," Aloisi said on Thursday.

"To see him out there last night, I felt proud because he's from the A-League.

"He forged a career, then he's gone over to Turkey and done really well. And now he's got an opportunity to play at a World Cup.

The competition for spots on the plane to Russia will now heat up dramatically over the next seven months and while Postecoglou has already cast his net wide, Aloisi tips there will likely be a player or two who come from the clouds and demand selection.

"I still remember the bolter in 2006, Josh Kennedy came from nowhere," Aloisi said.

"Luke Wilkshire came from nowhere. That happens a lot.

"Ange (Postecoglou) has proved that he's used a lot of players in his squad so there's a big base now, over 40 players used over the last few years.

"It's there for everyone, especially the younger boys and who knows what can happen."

Roar skipper Matt McKay, another former Socceroo who can also thank the A-League for his international opportunities, admits those in charge of the competition cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

"The A-League has to improve still - the quality, expansion, getting more players more opportunities to push on and make the Socceroos," he said.

"It's an important competition ... the A-League is that platform now for the Socceroos.

"(Qualification) is huge for our sport, it keeps us on the map.

"It's still growing, let's be honest - there's so much competition in Australia but to make a World Cup really enhances our growth."

Source: AAP