Socceroos stars out to make big impact upon return to British clubs
February 7, 2019
Defeat to the United Arab Emirates in the quarter finals of the AFC Asia Cup can only be described as disappointing.
The Socceroos boasted 64% possession, had 22 shots but still somehow managed to lose thanks to a sole Ali Mabkhout strike in the 68th minute and the dream was over for the 2007 winners.
However, for clubs in England and Scotland, a sigh of relief was breathed as it meant they could get a host of their players back ahead of crucial games.
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So, who are the Aussie stars who have made their way back to their clubs in England and Scotland’s top flight?
Mathew Ryan – Goalkeeper
Club: Brighton and Hove Albion – Premier League
Socceroos number shot stopper is the only Australian player plying his trade in the Premier League who was part of the Asian Cup squad.
Ryan was between the sticks throughout the tournament and with 55 caps to his name is one of the more senior Socceroos players despite only being 26 years of age.
The Aussie was ever present for Premier League outfit Brighton last season and has so far played 21 of the Seagulls 25 top flight games in England this season.
Brighton boss Chris Hughton will be delighted to Ryan back as without him the club failed to win a single game including losses to title favourites Liverpool and Manchester United.
Mark Milligan – Defender
Club: Hibernian – Scottish Premiership
Australian captain Mark Milligan has been a prominent figure for the Socceroos having earnt 79 caps during tenure in the national side.
It was all change at Milligan’s league club Hibs upon his return as manager Neil Lennon had been sacked with Eddie May placed in caretaker charge.
The Edinburgh sit seventh out of 12 in the table with seemingly little to play for.
However, Milligan’s calming influence will be needed as he looks to add to his 13 league games so far this season.
Tom Rogic – Midfielder
Club: Celtic – Scottish Premiership
26-year-old midfielder has been a vital cog in the Celtic engine for the past few seasons, especially with the attacking threat he brings to the Hoops.
Brendan Rodgers missed the former Central Mariners star, but he looks set to pick up a fourth Scottish Premiership winners medal with the Hoops comfortably top of the table.
With three league goals to his name, Rogic will certainly be looking to add to his tally in the second half of the campaign and get close to the eight he netted for Celtic during the 2015/16 season.