Australia coach Ange Postecoglu has revealed that he has made a decision not to include captain Lucas Neill in his 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 World Cup.
The 36-year-old has made no less than 13 starts in the World Cup qualifying campaign, but he will not be making an appearance at the tournament finals as the coaching staff has concerns over his fitness levels.
Having made just five league appearances on club level since November 2013, Ange Postecoglu does not believe the veteran defender can cope with the demands of the tournament in Brazil.
“He was obviously very disappointed,” said Postecoglou. “It was difficult. He has worked damn hard to try and get himself ready and available. He has shown an enormous determination to go to this World Cup.
“I just had to make a decision not so much about the recent history, but the last six months,” he added.
“In terms of form and fitness, there just wasn’t enough evidence there for me to say that he would be able to hold up in the World Cup.”
Postecoglu has yet to name his provisional squad for the tournament finals, with Mile Jedinak or Tim Cahill tipped to take over the captain’s armband.
Australia have been placed in the group of death alongside Spain, Netherlands and Chile, so no wonder they are 21.00 (20/1) to qualify for the next round.
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