Ange flags Socceroo changes for Greece clash

Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed he’ll freshen up the squad for Tuesday night’s friendly against Greece as he looks to continue to build depth ahead of September’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Australia kicked off the two-game Dodoni Series with a 1-0 win over Greece on Saturday night, with Mat Leckie’s injury time strike proving decisive for the hosts.

But after a heavy track at ANZ Stadium and a short turnaround between games, Postecoglou is  likely to make several changes for the clash in the Victorian capital.

“This one’s a quicker turnaround than usual. We only got into Melbourne late last night and we’ll only have the one session so there’s kind of a day or two less than a normal break,” Postecoglou said at the official pre-match press conference on Monday.

“We factored that into it when we selected the squad, so we’ll make some changes tomorrow night.

Preview: Socceroos v Greece

Who'll start for the Socceroos in Melbourne?

“But again they’re changes designed to maximize performance, it’s not about just giving everyone a go or compromising competitiveness.

“We’ll put out a line-up tomorrow night that we think will give us the best chance of success.”

Talisman Tim Cahill is poised to come into the starting line-up after playing 20 minutes off the bench in Sydney.

With Mile Jedinak leaving camp for personal reasons, Postecoglou said Cahill would wear the armband in the midfielder’s absence.

“Timmy’s captain in Mile’s absence. We’re very much a group where the leaders are the leaders and obviously with Mile being out Timmy just does what he keeps doing,” Postecoglou said.

“Mark Milligan the same. They’re the senior players in this group. It’s a collaborative approach in terms of the way they lead the team and Timmy will step  up.”

Ange Postecoglou with Mile Jedinak following the Socceroos' loss to England.

Postecoglou said he was pleased  with the players in camp over the past fortnight and is confident he is strengthening his squad ahead of September’s World Cup Qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.

“The intent was initially to just build more depth but I guess what I’m pleased about is that it’s just not depth we’re creating we’re actually improving the quality of our team,” he said.

“The guys we’re bringing in we know they can do a job but they’re actually adding to things.

“They’re all adding to what we’re doing which is really pleasing. Obviously after this game we have a bit of a break until September and some of the guys their leagues have finished, so they’ll go on a break.

“Come September, I’m secure in the knowledge that I know I’ll have a stronger squad because if there’s one or two who are a little bit off the pace than others will be able to step in.”

Socceroos v Greece Melbourne banner