3 minute read
A closer look at the form of some of the UK-based Australian players after three months of the season..
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FORM OF AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND AHEAD OF THIS MONTH'S WORLD CUP QUALIFIER AGAINST JORDAN.
* Martin Boyle - Hibernian: Appearances 5 Goals 1
Ended his 11-month injury nightmare with a stoppage-time equaliser in Hibs' 2-2 draw with Livingston last week. In what would have been a welcome sight for Graham Arnold, the winger showed he'd lost none of his pace to latch on to a long ball and apply a cool finish. Boyle missed the Asian Cup in January after cruciate ligament surgery and then re-injured the same knee in a League Cup match in July. Yet to play a full 90 minutes this season as he gradually builds up his match fitness.
* Lyndon Dykes - Livingston: Appearances: 13 Goals: 5
The powerful Gold Coast-born striker has impressed in his first season in the Scottish Premier League after joining Livingston from Queen Of The South where he notched a staggering 43 goals in 45 games. Made headlines by scoring in his side's shock 2-0 win over champions Celtic last month. This prompted calls from his manager Gary Holt for him to declare for Scotland, who he qualifies for through his parents. Graham Arnold has been keeping tabs on his performances but an ankle problem has ruled him out of the last three matches.
* Callum Elder - Hull City: Appearances five
The 24-year-old left-back from Sydney's northern beaches is yet to be capped at senior level by Australia but it can't be long until he is after some impressive displays in the Championship. Elder joined Leicester as a teenager but never played a a single game for the Foxes and was loaned out to Mansfield, Peterborough, Brentford, Barnsley, Wigan and Ipswich. Joined Hull on a permanent basis in August and after initially struggling to break into the side he's now very much the first choice for manager Grant McCann.
* Jackson Irvine - Hull City: Appearances 14 Goals 1
After an indifferent start to the season, Hull have found some form in recent weeks, culminating with an impressive 3-0 win at Fulham last Saturday. Irvine has missed one game this campaign and alongside star striker Jarrod Bowen is the team's most consistent performer. With his contract up at the end of the June, he could find himself on the move in January if Hull decide to cash-in during the transfer window instead of losing him on a free.
* Massimo Luongo - Sheffield Wednesday: Appearances 10 Goals two
Had to wait patiently for a chance to start in the Wednesday midfield following his season-eve move from QPR but impressed when given the chance. Scored the winning goals against Wigan and Stoke City last month but forced to miss the Owls' last two games due to an ankle injury. Reports in Sheffield suggest the 27-year-old's likely to spend a few more weeks on the sidelines.
* Mark Milligan - Southend United: Appearances 14
After finally fulfilling his decade-long quest to play in England, things couldn't have gone much worse for Milligan and the Shrimpers who have won just once in League One all season. Only the almost-bankrupted Bolton are below Milligan's side on the table, prompting the club to bring in former England defender Sol Campbell as manager. Milligan was named captain at the start of the season and the club will need all of his and the former Arsenal and Spurs defender's leadership skills to help them get out of relegation trouble.
* Aaron Mooy - Brighton: Appearances: 6
Started the season as a Huddersfield player before joining Brighton on loan just days after signing a new contract with the Terriers. Is likely to make his move to the English south coast permanent at the end of the season with a deal believed to have been agreed between the clubs. Has been in and out of the Brighton side this season and although his form has been solid, he has not quite reached the heights of his first season in the EPL two years ago.
* Tom Rogic - Celtic: Appearances: 7 Goals 1
Like Boyle, Rogic has battled back from a knee injury that saw him miss the first two months of the season. However, he looked back to his best on Saturday helping Celtic to a 5-2 Scottish League Cup semi-final win over Hibernian. The Bhoys lead Rangers at the top of the table on goal difference in what's shaping up to be one of the closest title run-ins for a decade. The Socceroo will be a key player as the club chase for a record-equalling, ninth successive championship.
* Mat Ryan - Brighton: Appearances 11 clean sheets 4
One of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League, Ryan has been a major factor in Brighton's good start to the season which has seen them win three of their last four matches to move up to eighth. Under new manager Graham Potter the Seagulls have been less defensive-minded which has subsequently made them more open at the back. Four clean sheets from Ryan have demonstrated his importance to the side.
* Harry Souttar - Fleetwood: Appearances 14 goals 1
The giant centre-half has been a regular for Joey Barton's side after rejoining the League One club on loan from Stoke City. Barton has been fulsome in his praise of Souttar and recently revealed he's designed set-piece plays to take advantage of his size after he scored four goals in two games for the Socceroos last month.
* Bailey Wright - Bristol City Appearances 2
Another Socceroo who has struggled with injury with a thigh problem sidelining the Bristol City skipper for eight weeks. Has been fit enough to be on the bench for the last seven matches but unable to break back into a Robins side that sits just inside the top six. Out of contract in June and may well find his future lies away from Ashton Gate if he continues to warm the bench.
