The defensive set up at Matt Jurman's Korean club may prove handy to Caltex Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou when he ponders his defensive selections for Syria on Thursday night in Malaysia.
In-form Jurman, 27, a former Sydney FC favourite, switched to K-League Classic outfit Suwon Bluewings last January.
And with the Aussie defender's K-League coach employing a back three, Jurman is suddenly a handy addition to Postecoglou’s defensive options ahead of Thursday night’s first leg World Cup qualifier playoff against the Syrians.
“It’s been a blessing in disguise that my club actually plays with a back three,” Jurman told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s helped me to learn how to play in that system. And if I’m picked to play I’ll have that experience.
“It’s different to what I’ve played in before in Sydney with Arnie [Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold,” he added.
“But once you get games under your belt everything is a lot easier.”
Jurman has been playing on the left side of a back three for his club the Bluewings, who’ve had a successful season using this defensive set up.
Bluewings are currently fourth on the K-League Classic ladder with Jurman playing solidly over the last six months in the helter-skelter Korean competition.
His form and fitness gives him a real chance of starting on Thursday night.
Jurman was picked in the 30-man squad for the last Socceroos camp. But this time, he made it to the 23 with Postecoglou electing not to call up China-based central defender Matt Spiranovic.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s exciting,” added Wollongong-born Jurman.
“It’s a dream to play for the Socceroos.”