A Socceroos star is set to make his long-awaited return from injury, a defender scored an absolute screamer over in Scotland while Tom Rogic is placed in an interesting predicament after the manager that brought him to West Brom was sacked.
Catch up on all of the news from the Aussies abroad in the latest edition of the Roo Radar!
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Nottingham Forest end losing run | 01:13
TOWERING DEFENDER’S RETURN IMMINENT IN MAJOR SOCCEROOS BOOST
The Socceroos have dearly missed Harry Souttar’s presence at the back ever since he tore his ACL against Saudi Arabia last year in November.
Many have wondered if he’ll recover in time to play a part at the FIFA World Cup next month and in an extremely pleasing update, it’s looking positive for the towering centre-back.
It is expected Souttar’s return to action is imminent, and could be back in action as soon as this weekend for Stoke City’s reserve team.
The Potters will look to ensure as little risk as possible is taken with Souttar’s return as he looks to make an impression and be fully match fit for Qatar.
“When you’ve been out for as long as he has and, not only that, when you’re 6ft 6in and you’re nimble on your feet and you’re mobile, you have to take extra special care with injuries,” Stoke manager Alex Neil said in mid-September.
“We’ve waited this long to get him to this point and this last little bit is so important to give Harry and ourselves the best chance of him coming fit, remaining fit and having an impact in the team.
“He’s made great progress and we’ll go as quickly as we think we can with Harry to get him back playing but not to his detriment.”
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DEFENDER SCORES LAST-GASP SCREAMER
Nathaniel Atkinson secured a last-gasp draw for Hearts against Kilmarnock with a goal that had to be seen to be believed.
In the 94th minute, a free kick was lofted into the area by Jorge Grant but was headed away by a Kilmarnock defender.
Atkinson, who was lurking just outside the area, smacked the ball with his left peg in a first time effort.
The ball sailed through into the bottom corner as Kilmarnock goalkeeper Zachary Hemming was left stuck in the mud, helpless to stop the Socceroos star’s thunderbolt.
Wild celebrations ensued as Hearts snatched a late point that put them in fifth spot in the Scottish Premiership, while Kilmarnock sit in 10th but are equal on points with Dundee United and Ross County, who are second last and last respectively.
Bad news for Liverpool with star injured | 00:35
ROGIC FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE AS WEST BROM BOSS AXED
Tom Rogic must be wondering if he made the right move as West Bromwich Albion sacked Steve Bruce after just eight months in charge at the club.
The Baggies sit in the relegation zone of the Championship despite their underlying numbers being some of the best in the league.
The former Newcastle boss, 61, signed an 18-month contract at the Hawthorns in February but won just eight of his 32 games in charge.
“West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with manager Steve Bruce,” the club said in a statement.
“Backroom staff Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and Alex Bruce (Bruce’s son) have also left the Hawthorns.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Steve Bruce and his coaching staff for their efforts since arriving in February.”
Rogic, and Aussie football fans, will no doubt be keeping a keen eye on who the Baggies decide to name as their next manager as the midfielder looks to lock up a spot in Graham Arnold’s 26-man Socceroos squad for the World Cup.
West Ham produce comeback to down Fulham | 00:48
ARNIE EXPRESSES ‘INTEREST’ IN 18YO MAKING WAVES IN ITALY
Graham Arnold has expressed his “interest” in potentially capping teenage star Alessandro Circati as the youngster continues to impress for Serie B outfit Parma.
Circati, who can play internationally for either Australia or Italy, signed for Parma last year after rising through the ranks of Perth Glory’s academy.
He counts legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon as a teammate and enjoys constant game time at the heart of Parma’s backline.
Circati, who has played for Italy’s under-20 side, revealed his performances have caught the eye of Arnold as the Socceroos boss looks to the long-term future of the national side.
“Graham Arnold called me not so long ago, expressing his interest in me and saying that he’s been following me,” Circati told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“It was a normal conversation, telling me just to continue what I’m doing. It was good. It’s a decision that can’t be made quickly, and it’s not a decision I’ll make now because I have love for both countries.
“I don’t prefer one over the other.”
