Wollongong product Matt Jurman has a maiden Socceroos appearance in touching distance after being named as part of the Australian squad for two crucial World Cup qualifiers in the next month.
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The talented left-footed defender was selected as part of a 30-man preliminary squad, which will be culled to 23 players next Wednesday ahead of matches against Japan and Thailand.
It’s undoubtedly a massive opportunity for Jurman, who earned selection in the squad following a stellar 24 months on the paddock.
His career has been on an upward spiral since he claimed all three of Sydney FC’s major club awards for a standout 2015-16 campaign.
It paved the way for the 27-year-old to secure a deal to K-League high-flyers Suwon Samsung Bluewings in January.
Jurman, who spent time as a junior at the Wollongong Wolves, is one of seven defenders named for the national team.
Nowra gloveman Adam Federici is one of four goalkeepers selected in the squad, which is made up predominately of players who featured at the Confederations Cup earlier this year.
“We haven’t strayed too far from the players who went to the Confederations Cup and who we have had on the radar for a while, so not a great deal of change at this stage,” Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou said.
“There are a few new faces as well to have a look at but overall I’m pretty pleased with the shape we’re in.”
The Socceroos face Japan on August 31 before returning to Australia for their final Group B game against Thailand on September 5.
They need to pick up points in both qualifiers to secure passage to Russia 2016. Currently they are third in the Group, one point behind leaders Japan and trailing Saudi Arabia on goal difference.
