Postecoglou preaches the importance of playing

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has one key message for World Cup hopefuls, make sure you are playing and playing well.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has one key message for World Cup hopefuls, make sure you are playing and playing well.

Currently in England, Postecoglou is undertaking a worldwide trip to watch players as he aims to finalise the 23 players he will take to Brazil.

The trip will see him visit England, Scotland, Germany and Holland amongst other European nations before ending with a trip to the Middle-East.

One player that Postecoglou won-t need to visit is Tom Rogic, who was loaned from Celtic to Melbourne Victory on Tuesday, a move that delighted the Socceroos mentor.

'It's pleasing that Tom will play some football,' Postecoglou said.

'That was always what the priority was from my perspective, particularly in a World Cup year. That opportunity has been given, that's part one of the equation. Part two is now Tom's got to play some football, like everyone else.

'Melbourne Victory's a good club for him and more importantly I think the A-League will be a good test for him as a competition. Hopefully with Melbourne Victory getting past the first phase of ACL qualification, it gives him some real challenging games in the ACL.'

Rogic isn-t the only Australian to be seeking greener pastures, with Mitch Nicholls relocating to Japan and Carl Valeri moving from Sassuolo to Ternana in the Serie B, whilst Mark Milligan and Rhys Williams have also been the subject of transfer rumours.

Postecoglou is comfortable with the player movement, but stressed his key priority is to see his all players regularly making an impression on the pitch.

‘The key is of our players to play good football and dominate the competition they-re in, wherever that may be.-

One player that Postecoglou was delighted to meet was Liverpool youngster Brad Smith. The 19 year old made his first-team debut this season and plays at left back, a position that is seen by many as up for grabs.

Smith is eligible to play for Australia and England, where he has resided since the age of 14, with Postecoglou hopeful the bright talent will wear the green and gold.

Unofortunately one player Postecoglou won-t have the opportunity to pick is Bayer Leverkusen wide man Robbie Kruse, who underwent knee surgery yesterday.

Whilst admitting that the injury devastated the player, Postecoglou is sure he will be back bigger and better, ready for the Asian Cup in 2015.

'I had a brief chat with Robbie the other day, obviously he's pretty devastated with what happened,' he said.

‘It-s a massive disappointment for him, especially in a world cup year, where every player wants to be involved.-

‘I-m sure Robbie will be back bigger and better than ever and with an Asian Cup around the corner that is another massive tournament he can aim towards.-