Siddle embarrasses Aussie batsmen

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Handy ... Peter Siddle showed up Australia's top-order batsmen. Source: Julian Smith / AAP

Peter Siddle is the proud owner of two unique Test records after what can only be described as a unique match between India and Australia in Delhi.

4th Test - Feroz Shah Kotla

22 March 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

India 2nd Innings

C. Pujara	82	92	11	0	89.13
M. Dhoni	12	14	2	0	85.71
N. Lyon	15.2	0	71	2	4.63

Siddle backed up his career-best knock of 51 in the first innings with 50 in the second, as Australia crashed to 164 all out on day three of the fourth Test.

In the process, the pace bowler set two new all-time Test records - the first No.9 to top-score for his team twice in one match, and the first No.9 to pass 50 in both innings of a match.

Unfortunately, as proud as Siddle might be of these records in years to come, at the moment it's more of a sad reflection on the state of Australia's batting on this tour.

After the earlier success of his fellow bowlers with the willow, Siddle's effort was the fourth time in the series that Australia's highest score came from a batsman at No.7 or below.

The powers that be won't need that statistic to know the batting across the board was sub-par, but it may be alarming enough to provoke serious discussions about the Test future of several players.

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The fact the bowlers were able to show up their more accomplished teammates, coupled with the success just about every Indian batsman had in the series, proves that while the pitches weren't easy to bat on, they didn't warrant the sort of scores posted by Australia on many occasions.

It remains to be seen what changes, if any, will be made to the batting line-up ahead of the Ashes series.

But given the troubles the Aussies had adjusting to the foreign conditions in India, one has to wonder how they will fare as they seek to turn their fortunes around in England.  

There were light-hearted suggestions Australia should reverse their batting order to allow the likes of Siddle and Mitchell Starc to really shine with the bat, and after Glenn Maxwell was elevated to opener in the second innings in Delhi, perhaps this isn't as far-fetched as most think.

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Beale, Vuna in alleged dust-up

Tarnished jersey ... The Rebels are treating the matter seriously. Source: AFP

Wallabies Kurtley Beale and Cooper Vuna have been sent home from South Africa following a fracas hours after the Melbourne Rebels slumped to a franchise record 64-7 Super Rugby defeat in Durban.

Beale is alleged to have punched Vuna on the Rebels' team bus following a visit to a local nightspot.

An investigation was conducted the morning after the incident with coach Damien Hill saying they had both broken team protocol.

They will miss the Rebels' clash with the Cheetahs next weekend in Bloemfontein with further disciplinary action a possibility.

"The club will no longer tolerate this type of behaviour and I am embarrassed for everyone associated with building this club,'' Hill said in a statement.

Rebels chief executive Steven Boland said as both Beale and Vuna were contracted Wallabies it was also a matter for the Australian Rugby Union.

"There can be no excuses for the disrespect shown to the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Club by these players,'' Boland said.

The incident is understood to have followed an argument between Beale and Rebels captain Gareth Delve after Delve ordered Beale to put his shirt back on before the bus reached the hotel.

Hours after the Rebels' humiliating record 10-try defeat by the Sharks in Durban on Saturday night (early Sunday AEDT), Vuna tweeted that Beale had punched him.

"I need to leave right now, this ain't for me! I tried to help someone but got punched so instead of putting him in hospital il leave!'' Vuna posted at 1.27am local time (11.27am EDT).

The tweet was deleted about half an hour later but later published on fan website Green and Gold Rugby.

When a Twitter user, named heart_Madrid, asked Vuna if his alleged assailant "was drunk'', the Rebels winger replied: "Hmmmmm his name is kurtley_beale bloody grub!''

Beale didn't play in the match as he continues his recovery from hand surgery but was expected to be available next week while the Sharks game was Vuna's first competition match this season after a shoulder injury.

Vuna, who played two Tests last year, has been on a self-imposed alcohol ban.

Beale is facing assault allegations arising from an incident at a Brisbane night spot last year, in which he was alleged to have hit a bouncer.

The case was sent to mediation late last month, with the first session to take place next month.

Following the embarrassing loss Hill had questioned his players' pride in their jersey following their heavy loss to the Sharks which surpassed their previous biggest defeat of 53-3 by the Queensland Reds in their first year in the competition in 2011.

"Our guys just didn't show up and it's quite embarrassing to be honest,'' said Hill, with his team 13th on the ladder with one win for the season.

"It's probably the worst defeat I've ever been associated with through the club and I'm really questioning the pride these guys have in the jersey.

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The thrilling final round equation

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What a night ... the Sydney derby sets up a thrilling final round. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The penultimate round of the A-League has left us with a thrilling equation heading into the final week of the regular season, leaving the Premiers' Plate winner, spots No.5 and No.6 in the finals and the wooden spoon all up for grabs.

• 1. WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (54 points, Goal Diff +17)
  v Newcastle (A)
  Need a win or a draw in Newcastle to secure the premier's plate in their debut season.
   
• 2. CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (51, +25)
  v Melbourne Heart (H)
  If the Wanderers lose, the Mariners can pinch the premier's plate on goal difference with a win against the Heart.
   
• 3. MELBOURNE VICTORY (41, +2)
  v Wellington Phoenix (A)
  Will finish third or fourth and have nothing to really play for in New Zealand ahead of their home elimination final.
   
• 4. ADELAIDE UNITED (40, +1)
  v Perth Glory (A)
  To finish third or fourth and host a home knockout final, regardless of the result of their Perth trip.
   
• 5. BRISBANE ROAR (32, +2)
  v Sydney FC (H)
  Hold their own destiny. Beat Sydney, and their title defence continues into the finals; lose, and they need both Perth and Newcastle to lose. If they draw and only one of Newcastle or Perth win, they could still sneak in.
  
• 6. SYDNEY FC (32, -8)
  v Brisbane Roar (A)
  Like Brisbane, masters of their own fate: beat the Roar and they make the finals. Lose or draw, and they rely on others, like the Roar, above.
   
• 7. PERTH GLORY (31, -2)
  v Adelaide United (H)
  Beat Adelaide at home and they're in the finals. Draw, and they're probably in - if Sydney are beaten. Lose, and they're out.
   
• 8. NEWCASTLE JETS (31, -12)
  v Western Sydney (H)
  Must defeat Western Sydney and hope Sydney and Brisbane draw, and Perth lose, to steal a finals spot. If they draw, but Perth win and Sydney get thumped by four or more goals, they can also sneak in! 

Let's put personal preferences for a premiership or a championship aside for a minute – whatever your choice, the race is well and truly alive. 

Race for the Premiers' Plate

While it would've been a sight to behold to see Parramatta Stadium erupt with a Premiers' Plate win, the Wanderers' 1-1 draw with Sydney FC, followed by Central Coast Mariners' 2-0 triumph against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium, means the race for top spot goes all the way to the final round. 

Tony Popovic's men have to keep their composure and seal the deal on Friday night at Newcastle. Simply, if they don't lose – something they haven't done in 11 games - the trophy heads to Wanderland. Otherwise the ball returns to the Mariners' court on Saturday night.  

But after such a dream run, Popovic's medical staff will have a tricky time juggling their ward this week. Shinji Ono (groin), Adam D'Apuzzo (foot), Aaron Mooy (medial strain), Jerome Polenz (quad strain) and Michael Beachamp (quad) all have niggles to contend with. 

After a week mired by off-field financial problems and talk that the Premiers' Plate race was all but over, Central Coast's win on the road showed once again how well Graham Arnold's side performs when the chips are down. 

"Absolutely phenomenal," Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich said on Sunday Shootout. 

"Tough times don't last but tough people do. They are now going into the last week … a lot of pressure now on Western Sydney Wanderers, 

"(Central Coast) like when things are all stacked against them. Arnie instils a siege mentality and they respond to that."

Spots No.3 and No.4

Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United have had a mortgage on these two spots; in fact, tickets go on sale for the first week of the finals on Monday morning. 

Melbourne Victory will host the first final on Friday night at Etihad Stadium, while Adelaide United will enjoy a home final on Sunday at Hindmarsh Stadium 

But there's a lot of work to be done after two lax performances by both sides with little to play for this weekend. 

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Western Sydney	26	17	3	6	17	54
2	Central Coast	26	15	6	5	25	51
3	Victory	26	12	5	9	2	41
4	Adelaide	26	12	4	10	1	40
5	Brisbane	26	9	5	12	2	32
6	Sydney	26	9	5	12	-8	32
7	Perth	26	9	4	13	-2	31
8	Newcastle	26	8	7	11	-12	31
9	Heart	26	8	3	15	-8	27
10	Wellington	26	7	6	13	-17	27

Ange Postecoglous fumed after Victory's loss to Perth, saying: "There were too many players that wanted a comfortable afternoon at the football.

"I won't accept it.

"Who do we want to be and what standard do we want to set?

"I didn't see … footballers fighting for their lives tonight.

"We had players missing and maybe they thought we could accept defeat ... we won't." 

Of Adelaide United, Bosnich said: "Must be a massive worry for Valkanis and his coaching staff … we've seen them start poorly in recent weeks. 

"Once you give quality sides that opportunity, that type of start, and you play catch-up football, it's very difficult for you … you can't afford to start like that." 

Victory were missing their 'big three' - Mark Milligan, Archie Thompson and Marco Rojas - but both team will want to re-gain form and momentum ahead of a do-or-die final. 

Final play-off spots, No.5 and No.6

Advocates of a finals series, speak up now. The top-six structure has us set up for a pulsating weekend.

Perth were superb against the underwhelming Victory outfit on Saturday, with some free-flowing football in the front third that re-enforces why Alistair Edwards was in such high demand at nib Stadium. 

The Glory know all about finishing the season with a wet sail after last year's grand final run and if they win on the weekend, they're in, which would cap a remarkable return to form since Ian Ferguson's departure.

Their contributions this week included Danny Vukovic's phenomenal display between the sticks, which earned him Bozza's Save of the Week gong, while Josh Risdon and Chris Harold stepped up when needed with two goals right from the top drawer. 

Sydney FC were arguably the better side in the Sydney derby on Saturday night until Brett Emerton's send-off.

Their stoic final half-hour means they're locked in a winner-takes-all State of Origin showdown with Brisbane Roar to kick off the round on Thursday night. 

But don't rule out the Jets, either. They can play the ultimate party-pooper role by overshadowing Western Sydney to trump their rivals for a spot in the six. 

Wooden Spoon

Melbourne Heart's deplorable away record means they'll be hoping Wellington Phoenix lose at home to Melbourne Victory, otherwise they'll have to beat the Mariners on the road to avoid the spoon – and a sad end to John Aloisi's debut season after being in finals contention for most of the season. 

Golden Boot

Daniel McBreen's opener against Adelaide United took him to the top of the charts again with his 16th.

Jeremy Brockie is on 15, Marco Rojas 14 and Besart Berisha and Alessandro Del Piero on 13.

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The bolter eyeing a midfield berth

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Right in contention ... James Holland is an Aussie doing well abroad. Source: Ahn Young-joon / AAP

For so long, Carl Valeri was the man dubbed 'Mini Vinnie', Australia's next anchor in midfield. Mile Jedinak's rise through Crystal Palace's ranks has seen the former Mariners midfielder also enjoy a concerted run anchoring Australia's midfield.

But perhaps the player to keep an eye out for over the next 12 months is James Holland - a Newcastle Jets championship winner who has returned as part of Australia's generation next that is starting to gradually assert themselves within the Socceroos set-up. 

Holland, who started the recent friendly against Romania, has been a key player for Austria Wien, who are surging away with the title in Austria's top division. The 23-year-old midfielder has made 24 appearances this term as his side has surged 13 points ahead of Salzburg to all but have sealed the title.  

Starring in a defensive midfield role, Holland is now well and truly on Holger Osieck's Socceroos radar – reaping dividends for his patience after a tough initiation to his time abroad at AZ Alkmaar and Sparta Rotterdam, which saw him go "AWOL" from the Socceroos set-up after his debut in 2008. 

"I came from Australia, being a somebody (at the Jets), to being a nobody in Europe. It was a shock, I was young, and there was the culture shock as well – without your support network around you," Holland told foxsports.com.au. 

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"When I first went over there I lost my confidence; to get that back, it was a really difficult process. That was the struggle for me." 

Having come out the other side, Holland says he's better for it as he puts everything into trying to break consistetly into Osieck's first-choice side. 

"It's difficult – a lot of the Socceroos have gone through it; it's good for you, part of your development," Holland reflected.

"You have to be mentally strong and at times you have to tough it out, but I think for me, I had my eye on the goal and I never thought about coming home or giving up on my dream. 

"It's part of the development and I'm grateful I went through it; it made me stronger and now I enjoy the good times a little more."  

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With game time sure to play a big part in Osieck's selection criteria, Holland is in as good a position as any squad member in that regard.

"It's priceless – obviously I had three years of collecting splinters, so to get that regular game time, it really is priceless. 

"You react quicker to situations and you've got that match fitness which you can't really get through training. 

"So for me it's been fantastic, given me that confidence and I feel as though I've developed as a footballer a lot and every week I feel as though I'm getting stronger." 

Holland left the A-League as a classy midfielder with terrific engines, but his current boss, Peter Stoger, has him organising things in the middle of the park. 

"In that team I play purely defensive midfield," he said. "He doesn't really allow me to get forward too much; he wants me to be there as a safety net. My job is to make sure the team is organised. 

"Everything seems to be working out really well for us; we have a fantastic team, great atmosphere, really good coaching stuff and we play some really nice football, which is enjoyable as well.

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"I was lucky enough to win a championship with Newcastle; but maybe I was a bit young to appreciate it, it doesn't come around every year. 

"Now that I've been involved all season, I feel as though I've played a big part.

"It's something special." 

Holland admits he is an "ambitious" type, who sees the Bundesliga as an ideal next step in his career at some point. In fact, he suggests that outside of the top-three in Austria, teams are not too different from what we see in the A-League, a competition he acknowledges played a pivotal role in his development.  

"I think it's a fantastic development league for young players; game time is so important, and we can get that here. Making that step to Europe, there are so many factors you have to deal with but this is definitely a good stepping stone. 

"Personally, it was fantastic: it gave me a taste of professional football, I was able to win a championship, so I had that taste before Europe. It was priceless. Hopefully some boys here, like Tom Rogic, can kick on and more boys can follow in his footsteps."

---

The country's quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil re-starts on Tuesday night. Australia are locked in a dogfight with Oman, Iraq and Jordan for the second automatic spot in Group B, eight points behind Japan. You can watch this vital clash live and in stunning HD from 6.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 HD, with kick-off from 7pm.

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Atletico coach hints at Torres return

Under the spotlight ... will Fernando Torres return home? Source: Darren Walsh / AAP

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has seemingly opened the door for a possible return of Fernando Torres.

Torres has endured a torrid stay at Stamford Bridge since joining from Liverpool in January 2011 for £50million.

In 74 league games he has scored just 14 times, which is a shadow of his Liverpool form where he hit 65 goals in 102 Premier League appearances.

The 29-year-old began his career with Atletico Madrid and is still revered by their fans, and now Simeone has refused to rule out a possible return.

"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," Simeone told Onda Cero. 

"Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability.

"We were team-mates. I know how important he can be."

Simeone admits he does not know if a deal could be struck, adding: "It's complicated. I wouldn't like to say yes or no. He's a player who always performs and we have to respect his choice."

With Chelsea being strongly linked with Atletico's Radamel Falcao - a player-swap plus cash deal has long been mooted. 

Simeone was also quizzed about the future of the Colombian, and said: "I'm not Falcao and I'm not his agent. I'm the manager and have the utmost respect for him, because he gave me so much at River Plate and has done the same here.

"He always gives his all and I really respect players who do that. But everyone makes their own decisions in life. Every person is different, and we have to respect each other. Those who stay are always going to be the best."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8592305/Diego-Simeone-has-refused-to-rule-out-a-bid-for-Fernando-Torres

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'Flanno's return sparks Sharks'

Flanno's return ... Sharks players and staff celebrate their win. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions on round three of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

Storm vs Bulldogs, AAMI Park

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The grand final replay certainly didn't disappoint. I expected Melbourne to win comfortably but Canterbury were gritty and brought a game plan that caused Melbourne plenty of defensive issues. The battle of the halves was an entertaining one. Josh Reynolds continues to be the Bulldogs back bone. He is creating plays and steering the side around while Cooper Cronk was brilliant once again. His kicking game was pin-point and the way he targeted Tony Williams with set plays were executed with precision. 

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It was a terrible opening 25 minutes by Parramatta. With the competition as tight as it is this year, you cannot afford to make as many errors as they did early. The Tigers looked like a more controlled side. They had a game plan which saw Chris Lawrence work toward Chris Sandow as often as they could, with the ploy working a treat. The Eels did their best to make a game of it in the second half but it was their mistakes and poor defensive reads which ultimately hurt them. 

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The Gold Coast beat Manly at their own game. It was a physical battle filled with tight defence. This Titans side is a massive unit and if they can get even possession of the ball they will challenge any side. Their halves combination is coming along nicely, not only in attack but in defence, Albert Kelly made some strong defensive plays. It was a gutsy win to back up an easy win over the Raiders last week.

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What an effort to keep Brisbane scoreless. Roosters coach Trent Robinson should take a bow. The Broncos had ample opportunity to trouble the Roosters but they were not able to trouble them. Mitchell Pearce's kicking game was strong while Sonny Bill Williams continues to improve each week as he builds match fitness. Their attack will only get better as their combinations grow. The Broncos will need to turn things around very quickly. They face Melbourne this week and will need to find a way to score points.

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It was another emotional match for the Sharks in Shane Flanagan's return. The Sharks were on a mission which was led by Andrew Fifita and backed up by his skipper Paul Gallen. Todd Carney was at his brilliant best. He was able to pick and choose his plays and did so with precision. They only leaked four points which is a credit to their mental strength to not switch off with the game all but wrapped up at half time. Michael Gordon has been a revelation for the Sharks at fullback. Hopefully things begin to right themselves at the Shire club. The Warriors need to address their defensive issues before they can move forward. 

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Sometimes when teams face the Rabbitohs they are content with competing with them but this was not the case from Ivan Cleary's men who dug deep in a back and forth style match. It was an end to end game but the extra class that South Sydney has ultimately won them the game. Sam Burgess returned from suspension, Greg Inglis had some brilliant touches and Nathan Merritt bagged a hat trick of tries. I think Maguire will be pleased with the win and their ability to score points but will be disappointed by how many points his team did leak.

The hoodoo continues in a low scoring first half. It was a great defensive effort from both sides in the opening 40 minutes. Both sides were asked to defend some great attacking plays. This win eases some pressure on the Raiders. As an assistant coach it was great to get our first win and while there wasn't a massive crowd in attendance they were very vocal and I think that helped get us home. Reece Robinson was brilliant in attack while Brett White lead by example as did Glenn Buttriss in terms of leadership. There is now plenty of pressure on the Dragons to get a result against Cronulla in Saturday night's local derby.

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Broich brilliant, but bitter

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Better, but still not there ... Thomas Broich was not happy post game. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

When the stakes rise, so too do great players.

Entrants must be 18 or over and hold a current full Australian driver's licence.

The competition commences on, 27 January 2013 at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on 5 April 2013 at 5:00pm AEDT and is divided into 10 weekly periods.

Each weekly period opens on Sunday at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on the following Friday at 5:00pm AEDT.

One entry per weekly entry period.

This competition is authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00440, ACT TP13/00141, Victorian Permit No. 13/117 & SA Licence No. T13/61.

Thomas Broich's glorious goal against Melbourne Heart is one of the goals of the season, but after the match, Brisbane Roar's talisman vented his disgust at the way his teammates clocked off in the final moments of the game. 

"I think we were quite ill-disciplined and selfish and I'm disappointed with some of the boys," Berisha told Fox Sports after the match. 

"Very complacent, lazy … overshadows the great first-half."

Coach Mike Mulvey agreed with his captain, declaring much improvement was needed ahead of next round's do-or-die blockbuster against Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. 

Read about the thrilling final-round equation here.

"If we're serious about achieving anything this season … then if we play the way we did in the second-half we'll be giving opposition chances," Mulvey said. 

It was a stark contract to passages in the first period, which prompted Fox Sports commentator Robbie Slater to declare: "the champions turned up today". 

Despite opening the scoring via a dubious penalty, which earned the wrath of Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi, the Roar should have been a couple up on the back of some of their first-half football. 

Broich's goal is a genuine contender for the goal of the season – but so too are the two other nominees for this week's astoundingly good goal of the week. 

Perth's display against Melbourne Victory was full of top-class highlights; Danny Vukovic's save kept them in the game, but Chris Harold and Josh Risdon's goals are ready-made for the highlights reels for years to come. 

Check them out in the video at the top of the page and then follow the prompts below to enter the Goal of the Week competition. 

To enter, simply visit our competition page here each week to vote for your favourite goal and submit your details below.

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Socceroos Power Rankings: 35-21

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Who is No.1 ... we come up with the Socceroos pecking order. Source:FOX SPORTS

Welcome to the Socceroos Power Rankings - your chance to play the role of Holger Osieck and scour the globe and debate the pecking order of Aussie players vying for a spot in the national squad on the road to Brazil.

To kick-start the countdown to the first big game in 2013 – Tuesday night's qualifier against Oman in Sydney – a Fox Sports football roundtable of Simon Hill, Andy Harper and Robbie Slater have ranked their top-50 Australian footballers.

It's subjective, it's opinionated and it's going to provoke great debate.

Their criteria was simple: if you are the coach, who are the first names on your team sheet right now, based on form and fitness? 

Join the debate and don't forget to join us again Friday morning for the next batch of squad contenders.

---

Will he or won't he ... Chris Herd. Source: AFP

35. Chris Herd: will he, or won't he? The Aston Villa utility could provide a quality option for the Socceroos in midfield or as an alternative across the backline, but each time he's been called up, he's been injured. Until he makes his debut, there will be conjecture that he will opt to represent Scotland.  

34.Trent Sainsbury: Graham Arnold has a terrific track record bringing youth into the A-League via the Mariners, and Sainsbury is top of the class this season. A classy, poised centre-back, he could be one to keep any eye on as an option – perhaps sooner rather than later. Has represented Australia at U-17 and U-20.

33. Luke DeVere: A terrific impression over 65 caps at Brisbane saw De Vere leave the A-League for Gyeongnam FC. The move hasn't thrust him into Socceroos colours just yet, but if we are to have depth at centre-back beyond Lucas Neill, De Vere is one of the players we need to reach the potential he showed in the A-League and get regular game time. 

32. Richard Garcia (18 caps): thrown to the wolves against Germany at the 2010 World Cup in Durban, Garcia fell off the Socceroos radar after a knee injury ruled him out of the 2011 Asian Cup. But he returned to the squad for the East Asian Games qualifiers and the former Hull City man's sharp form and leadership for Melbourne Heart sees him back in contention and an experienced option should Osieck need him. 

Left-foot ... Rukavytsya Source: AP

31. Adam Taggart (3): one of the real bolters in the Socceroos ranks. The Newcastle Jets striker was one of the real beneficiaries of the East Asian Games qualifiers – scoring twice. Definitely on the radar as a lively, high quality player up front with an eye for goal. Pace, skill, confidence - he's highly rated by a number of our panel. 

30. Jade North (39): a decade in the national team is testament to North's versatility and reliability despite his lower profile. A return to the A-League after a spell in Asian club football should see him get regular game time – and with that, you'd expect him to be on the cusp of selection, jostling for that second centre-back spot or providing cover on either flank. In line for a start on Tuesday night. 

29. Nikolai Topor-Stanley (2): you could have been ridiculed for mentioning this a few years back but Topor-Stanley has been a revelation at Western Sydney Wanderers and has a bullet next to his name in the eyes of our Power Ranking selectors. Gone is the clumsy giant at the back, replaced by a mobile, consistent and towering presence. His left-foot adds another string to his bow and it's easy to see him creeping into the squad over the coming months. 

Highly rated ... Aaron Mooy. Source: News Limited

28. Eugene Galekovic (6): our Save of the Week catalogue is almost a Galekovic showreel. The Adelaide United custodian has been outstandingly consistent since moving to Hindmarsh Stadium and his call-up for the Oman game is due recognition of that. An amazing shot-stopper, Galekovic has every chance to pip one of our overseas contingent to make our top three keepers and go to his second World Cup.

27. Aaron Mooy (2): Mooy was one of Western Sydney Wanderers' key signings, returning home after a two-year spell with St Mirren in Scotland. He hasn't disappointed, showing a tremendous range of passing and discipline in his role in the middle of the park. He hogged the headlines at the East Asian Games qualifiers with two stunning free-kicks.

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26. Michael Thwaite (10): The Perth Glory centre-back's return to the Socceroos ranks is a feel good story – and a great A-League yarn. The highly talented defender has been singled out by Osieck as someone he trusts and is a huge shout of forging his way into Osieck's first-choice pairing. Thwaite made his debut back in 2005, but after some difficult times abroad, he is finally back where he belongs.

25. Robert Cornthwaite (6): talk about being at the right place at the right time. The former Adelaide United defender stepped in at short notice against South Korea last year and hasn't looked back, popping the odd goal in for fun and becoming one of Osieck's favourites. Can he maintain it? He needs to get back into the side at Chunnam Dragons if he is serious about becoming a first-choice centre back. 

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24. Nikita Rukavytsya (11): the flying left-footer is someone the public has had its eyes on since he burst onto the scene at Perth Glory in 2007, but the 25-year-old hasn't been able to quite nail a spot in the Socceroos squad. He was in Pim Verbeek's plans, and made it onto the pitch in South Africa, but game time and goals at Mainz in the Bundesliga is vital if he wants to return to the frame for the big games.

23. Brett Emerton (95): the much loved veteran, who made his debut way back in 1998, isn't completely out of the reckoning despite a few struggles at Sydney FC since his return home. He led the way at the East Asian Games qualifying and scored a superb winner against Hong Kong. If Osieck needs another wise head, Emerton has never let the Socceroos down and would love to bring up the century of caps. 

22. Adam Federici (8): The No.2 in South Africa still appears to hold that mantle, although injury keeps him out of the current squad. He has worked his way back into Reading's first team after a shaky start to life in the Barclays Premier League, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds should The Royals slip back into the nPower Championship. His headlines a line of deputies who should be able to provide sound cover for Mark Schwarzer.

21. Matt Spiranovic (16): the 24-year-old's selection here is a curious one, perhaps more on hope than results. Now at Al Arabi in Qatar, Spiranovic was the next big thing when he made his debut in 2008 while playing in Germany for FC Nuremberg. He hasn't kicked on since, nor found the consistency, but at his best is a poised, ball-playing centre-half who should, in theory, complement Lucas Neill.  

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The country's quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil re-starts on Tuesday night. Australia are locked in a dogfight with Oman, Iraq and Jordan for the second automatic spot in Group B, eight points behind Japan. You can watch this vital clash live and in stunning HD from 6.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 HD, with kick-off from 7pm.

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