Socceroos XI shake-up, Matt Jurman starts

Matt Jurman will make his Socceroos debut in the first leg of Australia's World Cup qualifying play-off against Syria.

Coach Ange Postecoglou has shaken up his first XI for Thursday night's crunch clash in Malaysia, thrusting untested defender Jurman into the frame and throwing three-capped Josh Risdon and Aziz Behich into the wingback roles.

In-form Mathew Leckie, who usually plays right wingback in Australia's 3-2-4-1 formation, will be deployed further forward to fill one of the No.10 spots alongside Robbie Kruse, in support of striker Tomi Juric.

In the absence of suspended Bailey Wright, Korean-based former Sydney FC man Jurman will play on the left side of a three-man defence also featuring Trent Sainsbury and Milos Degenek.

Mark Milligan will captain the team from midfield alongside Aaron Mooy, with Tom Rogic to start on the bench ahead of Tuesday's second leg in Sydney.

Socceroos XI: Mat Ryan, Milos Degenek, Trent Sainsbury, Matt Jurman, Aaron Mooy, Mark Milligan (c), Josh Risdon, Mathew Leckie, Robbie Kruse, Aziz Behich, Tomi Juric