Roos must forgo fear against red-hot Red Devils

Skipper Mile Jedinak has challenged his Socceroos to throw the “fear factor out the window” against heavyweights Belgium on Friday morning (AEST).

In their first hit-out since a respectable showing at the World Cup, the Socceroos face another enormous challenge against the world no.5 Red Devils.

Having seriously tested the likes of Chile, Netherlands and Spain in Brazil, Jedinak declared the Socceroos should no longer approach any match with fear.

“Looking back there was no more daunting challenge than what we faced at the World Cup,” he told FFA TV.

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“Moving forward the group needs to know that and whoever we come up against in the future, starting with Belgium, that the intimidation and fear factor is out the window because we’ve shown and proved that we’ve been able to play our game and impose ourselves on top quality opposition.

“It won’t be any different moving forward.”

There are seven fresh faces from the World Cup in the 20-man squad, including the likes of Brad Smith, Trent Sainsbury, Chris Herd and Tomi Juric.

Despite having just a couple of days to prepare for the clash in Liege, Jedinak says the new boys have settled in perfectly.

“It’s been quite a smooth transition and being such a small group as well, we’re a close knit group as it is but since it’s a small number you can get to know everyone a little quicker,” he said.

“The boys have settled right in which is what we expect and it’s full credit to them because they’ve got right on with it and showing their stuff out on the park.”

The Socceroos play Belgium on Thursday 4 September at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Leige 8.45pm (4.45am AEST) and Saudi Arabia on Monday 8 September at Craven Cottage, London 8.00pm (5am AEST) with both matches to be broadcast LIVE and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.