Jedinak trains: Socceroos session report

The Socceroos were at the cavernous QSAC late Tuesday afternoon for their first session since Sunday where skipper Mile Jedinak moved well.

The entire group, including skipper Jedinak, began the late afternoon session with yoga style stretching for around 10 minutes on the side of the pitch. 

Then the main group began their warm ups on the pitch as the keepers – including Liverpool target Mat Ryan – began their with some work on their passing and touch.

Separate from the main group Luongo, Spiranovic, Leckie, Sainsbury, Franjic and Juric stretched with runners on and did very light running drills.

The main group began by splitting into two groups with Ante Milicic barking instructions for a pass and move drill amongst mannequins. Third man runs were the order of the day with skipper Jedinak moving well.

Similar to the work done in the pre-Asian Camp in Melbourne, it emphasised movement and being positive in possession.

Meanwhile, in a nice moment Franjic and Luongo presented a fan in a wheelchair with a signed Socceroos jersey as a number of other players gave the excited fan a signature.

Back on the pitch, a game of seven v seven for the main group arond the centre circle was run by assistant Aureio Vidmar also using Eugene Galekovic and Mitch Langerak (both their passing skills are excellent it must be said).

Intensity was high.

Jedinak at that point was put through a gruelling circuit of sprints and ball work separately with the trainers. He appeared to be over his ankle injury and is certain to return to the starting XI on Thursday night.

The Socceroos got around their special guest in the wheelchair for more pics with Tim Cahill signing for the fan as the session ended after exactly 54 minutes.

The keepers stayed out on the excellent QSAC surface for some work on low shots and crosses.

Likewise Antonis did extras at the end with a series of shuttles and ball work before the main group warmed down.

A handful of Chinese media were there to cover the session.

The Socceroos will face China PR in the Quarter-Finals of the AFC Asian Cup at Brisbane Stadium on Thursday 22 January (8.30pm local kick off). Click here to purchase tickets.

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