Sydney FC star set for Socceroos

Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres has edged closer to securing his maiden Socceroos cap with his selection in Australia’s squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Provided Caceres emerged unscathed from the Sky Blues’ AFC Champions League Two clash with Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Thursday night at Jubilee Oval, the 32-year-old midfielder was set to be named in the Socceroos squad being announced on Friday by national coach Tony Popovic.

Long considered of the best players not to have played for the Socceroos, Caceres has made an impressive start to the season with the Sky Blues in continental and domestic competitions.

Popovic has already shown he’s willing to give experienced uncapped players an opportunity, with 34-year-old midfielder Luke Brattan last month becoming the Socceroos’ oldest debutant in Australia’s 1-1 draw with Japan.

Sydney coach Ufuk Talay last week made no secret of his belief that Caceres deserved Socceroos selection.

“He is a great player for us,” Talay said.

“He’s probably been one of our most consistent players in the time I’ve been at Sydney, a very influential player.

“I’m not the Socceroos coach but I’d definitely be pleased if (Caceres) got the opportunity.”

Midfielders Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli, Germany) and Massimo Luongo (Ipswich Town, England), who were both ruled out of last month’s Socceroos squad through injury, aren’t expected to included in the latest squad.

The Socceroos meet Saudi Arabia next Thursday night at Melbourne’s AAMI Park before travelling to Riffa to take on Bahrain on the morning of November 20 (AEDT).

The three nations are on five points after each playing four Group C matches in the latest round of AFC qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

First-placed Japan is five points ahead. The top two teams in the group after 10 games each will guarantee themselves World Cup qualification.