Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has been impressed with the form of Sturm Graz’s James Jeggo and believes the 25-year-old former Victory and Reds midfielder is ready make his senior debut for Australia.
Jeggo’s rise this season
Jeggo has started in 24 of 25 league matches in the Austrian Bundesliga to help his team to fourth spot on the ladder, eight points behind leaders Salzburg.
Jeggo earned a call-up for the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Japan in October, and was again part of the squad as Australia drew 2-2 against Thailand in November.
And while the Austrian-born Aussie failed to see any game time, Jeggo’s recent form in Austria hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Ange on Jeggo’s development
“Jimmy’s had a couple of camps now. We certainly see him as someone who can contribute in terms of game time now,” Postecoglou told reporters on Tuesday.
“His form’s still been pretty solid in Austria, he’s playing full 90 minutes [regularly]. And it’s a good standard league. He’s at a strong club.”
Chances of debuting?
Despite the depth the Socceroos have in midfield, two games in five days and long-haul travel in between, could see someone like Jeggo given a chance.
“We know what we get with Jimmy. His form’s held up,” Postecoglou said.
“As I said, he’s already had a couple of camps now so we’d be expecting him to come in and contribute within a game as well.
“That’s his challenge now, to go from being part of the squad to actually making an impact now when he plays.
“This should be a good opportunity for him to do it in this camp.”
The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28. Click here for tickets.
