More of Moore ?

So Frank Farina didn’t want Pim Verbeek to select Craig Moore unless he is going to start him against Qatar. News Flash Frank….You are not the National Manager anymore !

The good news is that Verbeek has ignored the request and selected a squad that is best for him not the players or A-league club. Exactly the right approach that is needed from our national manager.

I am not so sure though that Pim should start Moore. There is no doubt that Moore is a quality defender and his inclusion into the squad would help strengthen the middle of defence, a area that has look very suspect over the last two years, but there comes a time when you need to put your faith in the new up and coming players.

The home match against Qatar would seem a prefect opportunity to start Matthew Spiranovic. With Cahill, Kewell and Emerton all appearing likely to be available, the Socceroos squad is shaping up to be one of our strongest in quite some time, what better time to play Spiranovic. If Spiranovic can continue to improve he should nicely fill this role and has the potential to be star.

Now I know many people would argue that the match is too important to play developing players and that the strongest side needs to be selected but Pim also needs to keep one eye on the squad for the World Cup in 2010. The fact is he needs three solid central defenders for that squad and at the moment he has one (Lucas Neill).

Of more concern to Verbeek must be the Left Fullback role. With Carney not being selected at all in recent matches with Sheffield United it leaves Verbeek with really only one option, Scott Chipperfield. Chippers is getting on but is still a quality player and when available has to be the first choice at Left Back.

The lack of young players for this position however is a real concern, Carney has looked the most likely in recent times but needs to be playing regularly. Beyond that there is not much in the cupboard. It is for this reason that I suspect that Scott Jamieson has been added to the squad. I wouldn’t be expecting him to play a part in Brisbane but having him up there gives Pim an opportunity to take a closer look at him.

It is a mystery why Travis Dodd has missed out after his performances in the ACL but overall this is a solid squad and one that should get the job done.
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