Socceroos coach reveals debutants in line to fill massive void left by Harry Souttar injury
Tony Popovic is not ruling out the opportunity to "blood" more players in a bid to fill the hole left by Harry Souttar ahead of the Socceroos' World Cup qualifying matches in March.
Souttar suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and is expected to miss up to 12 months.
The 26-year-old has been a consistent and reliable force in defence for the national team, but his unavailability creates an opportunity for new talent to push their case to don the green and gold.
READ MORE: Demon's act of sportsmanship amid Open win
THE MOLE: Knights plot 'major gamble' to fix halves headache
READ MORE: 'Not cool': Great's plea to wayward 'genius' Kyrgios
"He's disappointed, but as a professional you learn that you do have setbacks," Popovic said on Tuesday.
"He knows that this will be a longer term recovery but all we can do is just be there for him and support him in any way we can."
Harry Souttar. Mike Owen via Getty Images
Popovic will also be looking to find a replacement for Alessandro Circati, who underwent surgery for an ACL injury.
Currently seated second in their group, Popovic wants to ensure his selected squad produces the best result come March.
"We may blood someone else [in Souttar's position] but they'll have to earn it and they'll have to deserve to be with the Socceroos," he said.
"So far we have blooded some players, especially in the backline - Jason Geria came in after making his debut eight years earlier. Hayden Matthews, a young 20-year-old, made his debut against Bahrain.
"We are open to the idea of bringing in players but they have to fit in the style of play that we would like to play.
"We are looking and actively searching and at any moment someone can come through, have a great period of games, surprise everyone and get into the Socceroos."
Tony Popovic speaks to players during a Socceroos training session. Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
Nectarios Triantis is one of the many players who were floated to be in contention for a national team call-up.
Currently on loan with English Championship club Sunderland, the 21-year-old midfielder's remarkable form has been closely followed by Popovic.
"We've been watching him (Triantis) for months and his team has hit really good form," the Australian coach said.
"I think they have won four of their last five games.
"That helps and we have a few Aussies in that team who are all contributing to the success they are having at the moment, Triantis is certainly one of those."
